How to Notice God in the Everyday

Most of us feel connected to God at some point throughout our lives. Whether it’s on Sunday morning, during a Bible study, or a hike in the mountains.

But what about the ordinariness of life? Do you sense God there too?

That’s a tough question. And if we’re honest, most of us would say no.

What if He is there, you just didn’t notice Him?

How do you know?

Someone recently asked me if I knew God was there. “Yes,” I replied. Their next question caught me less prepared. “How?”

How indeed. How do I know God is there with me, each and every day?

I answered by explaining the dramatic interior changes I’ve gone through since converting. I know because my son smiles at me when I get home from work. And I know because I find joy and love in my wife.

Maybe those were good answers. But they weren’t complete.

I wasn’t quite sure how I knew God was with me at work, in the shower, and as I drove to the store.

Then I read about the prayer of examen.

St. Ignatius and the Prayer

In Noticing God, Richard Peace’s new book about intentionally noticing God, he details St. Ignatius’ prayer of examen. This prayer was to be an examination of the conscience, something critical for seeing God in the ordinary events of life. In fact, Ignatius thought it so critical it was never to be neglected, even if all other forms of prayer were impossible.

“The prayer of examen is all about recollection: specifically, noticing what has been going on in your life during the previous day.”

Originally there were 5 steps, but Peace details a 3 step version he was taught.

The prayer of Examen

Here are the 3 steps, quoted from Peace’s book, with some of my paraphrasing to elaborate:

• Step 1 involves gratitude:
  
  “In your mind, go back over the previous 24 hours and notice all the gifts God has given you and be grateful.” This can be anything good in your life. Fun with a friend, laughter with your children, an unexpected phone call that brightens your day. There is always something to be grateful for if we woke up.
   
• Step 2 involves awareness of God:
  
  “Go back over the same 24 period and this time look for the presence of God in your life.” This is more difficult. Think of the words and feelings you expereienced in the day. What made you happy or sad, and where was God in this? Maybe you experienced God through another person showing you kindness or exhorting wisdom.
   
• Step 3 involves confession:
  
  “For the third time, reflect on the previous 24 hours. This time look for those instances in which you slipped up, did it wrong, or did it for the wrong reasons.” This one makes more sense. It is confession, or repentance. What’s different about it in this context is it, according to Peace, “stings far less in the context of God’s gifts and presence.”

Try it

As I read it the first time, I followed along and went through the steps. And I must say, I was surprised by how refreshing and enlightening it was. I noticed God in the nooks and crannies of my day. His presence was clear with the day behind me and the lack of pressing circumstances.

I always thought the secret to noticing God would be something mystical, but it turns out it can be much more practical. And maybe this makes sense.

In the weeks to come, I look forward to trying it more. Maybe on my drive to work.

What about you?

Try it. Did it work for you? Have you prayed this prayer before?

CC Image • Michael Lokner