There is an ancient practice found in the history of the Church called “The Examination of Conscience” or “The Examen”. I learned about this practice years ago and have found it to be a helpful exercise. Today I taught about it in my Introduction to Christianity class, as an example of a practice of faith that helps us in the Christ way of living. I’m not sure how it connected with my group of 18–22-year-olds, but maybe it landed with a few of them.
Revisiting this ancient practice, during this Thanksgiving season, gave me pause to consider its merits for the practice of thanksgiving. Here’s how an adapted version of the practice that I call “Stop, Look and Listen” might work for you:
Stop: Stop what you are doing, find a comfortable place to sit with both feet on the floor and your body relaxed (no arms or legs crossed) with palms open. Breathe – pay attention to your breath, “let go” of any stress, worries or mental squirrels you are apt to chase. Just stop!
Look: Look back over the past year. Ask yourself: “What is there to be thankful for?” Make a mental list or perhaps write down your list. What are you grateful for? How has God blessed your life in the past twelve months?
Offer those thanksgivings to God in prayer – this can be naming the list itself, or just mentally revisiting what you’ve listed. No need for fancy language.
Now, looking back, ask yourself: What am I not grateful for? What do I need to repent of, let go of, seek forgiveness for, or say ‘I’m sorry’ about, and to whom?
Once you’ve made that list – take action. Bring these things before the Lord or resolve when and how to address them with the people whom you’ve identified. Let go! Release these hindrances to thankful living.
Listen: Be still. Sit in silence. Try for at least five minutes – longer if you dare. Light a candle as a focal point for your listening. Use a mantra to focus your mind: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”. Or read over a favorite scripture.
Listen. Allow God to speak and read your mind, your person. Just be still and know that God is God.
Don’t rush this part of the exercise. It’s ok to feel a bit uncomfortable. Just be still!
When you are ready, recite the Lord’s Prayer or Psalm 23, blow out your candle (if you lit one) and move into the remainder of your day or season with thanksgiving. Amen.
© Daniel M. Cash 2025
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