"The Evening Examen" "“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, alone makest me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 (KJV)" As the noise of the day begins to fade and the shadows lengthen, there is a sacred transition that occurs. The frantic pace of "doing" gives way to the quiet space of "being." Before you close your eyes and surrender to sleep, take a moment to sit in the stillness. This is the time for the Examen—a purposeful pausing to see where God’s hand moved today and where your own heart wandered. "The Offering of Gratitude" Think back over the last several hours. Not just the "big" moments of success or milestones, but the hidden graces found in the mundane. Perhaps it was the warmth of a cup of coffee, a timely word of encouragement from a colleague, the beauty of the afternoon light, or simply the steady rhythm of your own breath. Identify three specific moments today where you felt God’s presence. Acknowledge them now as gifts. By naming these graces, you are acknowledging that none of your comforts are accidental; they are provisions from a Father who delights in sustaining you. "The Space of Confession" Now, turn your gaze inward with honesty. In the quiet of this moment, ask yourself: "Where did I let my own will take the throne today?" Perhaps it was a flash of irritability, a seed of pride, a moment of impatience, or a lingering preoccupation with something other than Christ’s glory. Do not hide these from Him; He already sees them. Bring these specific moments to the light. Confess not just the act, but the heart behind it—the fear, the greed, or the self-reliance. Lay them at His feet as you let go of the weight of carrying them into tomorrow. "A Note on Repentance" In the Reformed tradition, we understand that repentance is not a means of earning God’s favor, but a response to the grace He has already freely given us. We do not confess today so that God will love us more; we confess because He "does" love us, and we desire to align our hearts with His truth. Every act of confession is an exercise in sanctification—the slow, beautiful work of being conformed to the image of Christ. When you confess tonight, you are not pleading for a pardon you haven't been given; you are resting in the finished work of the Cross, allowing His grace to settle your soul. "A Prayer for Rest" "Gracious Lord, I lay this day before You. I thank You for the mercies I received and the graces I often overlooked. I confess my failings—my pride, my fears, and my distractions. Wash me clean in the blood of Your Son. Grant me a peaceful sleep, untroubled by the anxieties of tomorrow or the regrets of today. May I rest in the certainty that You are in control, and that Your grace is sufficient for all things. Amen."