Psalm 139 & The Prayer of Examen

In this space we let go of anything from the day that needs to be left behind. These failures or offenses are burned up with the setting sun. We also use this time to receive more deeply anything from the day that God has spoken to us through our various interactions. This is a time to pray what is known as the prayer of Examen, which is a prayer of surrender, to be searched and known by God. It often involves becoming aware of the presence of God, reviewing or remembering your day with gratitude, recognizing your need for God and receiving his love and power, and finally, looking forward to the coming day with hope. We are reminded of the words of Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” One example of the prayer of Examen is written by Richard Foster in his book Prayer. “Precious Savior, why do I fear your scrutiny? Yours is an examen of love. Still I am afraid… afraid of what may surface. Even so, I invite you to search me to the depths so that I may know myself – and you – in fuller measure. Amen.”