Advent Examen

Advent is a natural time of reflection. This season of waiting meets us at the beginning of the liturgical year and the end of the calendar year.

reflection by Ashley Brooks

The goal-setters among us are likely already looking ahead to the new year and all the things you hope to accomplish next. 

But before racing ahead to the future, Advent invites us to sit with the present moment. It offers a pause to reflect back before focusing on what comes next. An Advent Examen can be a helpful prayer practice as you meet this moment of reflection. 

What Is the Examen?

This Ignatian prayer practice is a time to meet with God and reflect upon your day. When practiced regularly, the Examen can help you become more aware of the subtle movements of God in your life. Learn more about the traditional Examen with our post Praying an Examen: an Invitation to What Gives You Life. 

Advent Examen

The Examen is a sacred encounter with God that can take many forms. Whether you’re new to the practice or have made it a regular part of your routine, this Examen for Advent can help you reflect on a longer period of time with the themes of hopeful waiting in mind. 

Begin with three deep breaths to calm your body and settle your thoughts. 

Invite God to meet you in this time of reflection. 

Recall the last few weeks of Advent, asking for God’s help in bringing to mind significant moments that may have slipped out of your notice. 

Where did you notice moments of waiting or uncertainty? Sit with these memories. How did you feel in those moments? Were you fearful, uncomfortable, or at peace? Did you sit with the tension or try to rush out of this in-between space? Bring these experiences to God. 

Where did you notice moments of unexpected hope or joy? Sit with these memories. How did you feel in those moments?  Were you grateful, filled with love, or caught off guard? What made this hope or joy unexpected? Bring these experiences to God. 

End by thanking God for being with you in this time of reflection. Ask God to continue opening your eyes to the eternal hope and love that is offered, even in times of waiting and darkness.

A Longer Examen Option

If you have extra time for reflection in the days ahead, we invite you to consider praying with these additional prompts as we look toward the coming year. 

Think back not just on your day, but on the past year. Ask God to be present with you as you think back on this longer stretch of time. Invite God’s help in recalling significant moments during this prayer time. 

Where did you notice moments of gratitude? Where were you most able to give and receive love this year? Because you are working with a longer time period, it may be helpful to have a notebook so you can jot down notes if many memories come forward. 

Where in the last year were you least grateful? In what circumstances did you experience difficulty, or an inability to give or receive love? Without shame or judgment, make note of these experiences as well. 

Ask God to help you notice any patterns in your reflection. Bring them to God and offer them in conversation. Is there an invitation, a calling, a lesson, or simply God’s comforting presence in these moments you’ve recalled?

Close by thanking God for your prayer experience and by asking for God’s continued presence as you move forward to whatever is next. 

Looking Toward the New Year with Sacred Ground

We’re so grateful to you for being part of the community at Sacred Ground. Without your presence, prayers, and giftings, we wouldn’t be the same. 

As we look toward the end of the year, we invite you to prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible donation to Sacred Ground before year-end. Your generous donations allow us to continue and expand our mission of offering the transforming work of spiritual direction to the world around us. 

Ashley Brooks is a writer and editor with a heart for seeking the sacred in ordinary days. She will graduate with a spiritual direction certificate and a master's degree in Christian Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago in Spring 2026. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and their four children.