Evening prayer to reflect on your day
An evening prayer to reflect on your day looks back with God. Thank Him for what was good, notice where you felt close to Him or far away, confess what went wrong, and hand Him tomorrow. This simple pattern, often called an examen, helps you rest with a clear heart.
By RenewedSpirit team · Published · Updated
How do I reflect on my day with God?
Try four short steps: thank God for one good thing, notice one moment He felt near, confess one thing you regret, and give Him tomorrow.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting."
Search me, O God, and know my heart. David invites God to look at his day with him.
"Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD."
Let us examine our ways and test them, and return to the Lord.
What is a short evening prayer?
Pray: Lord, thank You for today. Forgive me where I fell short. I give You what's unfinished. Give me rest. Amen.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Why end the day with gratitude?
Gratitude trains you to notice God's goodness, even on hard days.
"Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Give thanks in every circumstance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the examen?
A centuries-old Christian way of reviewing your day with God: giving thanks, noticing His presence, confessing, and looking ahead.
How long should evening reflection take?
Five minutes is plenty. A shorter honest prayer is better than skipping it.
What if my day was really bad?
Tell God honestly. You can still find one small thing to thank Him for, and leave the rest with Him.
Keep going
Scripture and sources
Psalm 139:23-24; Lamentations 3:40; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Reviewed by the RenewedSpirit team · Editorial standards