What Is the Daily Examen Prayer?
The Examen is a centuries-old prayer that helps us slow down, reflect on our day, and notice the many ways God flows in, through, and all around us.
Think of it like digestion.
But instead of your stomach breaking down food to give you energy, the Examen helps your heart, soul, and body digest your day—breaking down your thoughts, feelings, questions, and experiences to discover the glimmers of God’s love all around you.
There are already wonderful resources for practicing the Examen with kids (see below). But after this TikTok with IM’s friend Elizabeth Riley about fidget toys and prayer, I was inspired to dust off my overflowing pony bead bin and string together some rainbow prayer beads.
What began as a simple craft evolved into a Beaded Examen: a colorful, fidget-friendly prayer practice that invites kids (and grown-ups!) to talk to God about their day.
How to Make Examen Beads
Creating Examen Beads is simple and fun. Making them together gives kids a chance to slow down, be creative, and engage their inner world in a new way.
What you need:
- Colorful beads (pony or wood beads work best)
- Alphabet beads
- Elastic cord or string
- Scissors
- Tape (optional: for securing one end of the string while you place beads)
Put it Together:
You’ll want to select the feeling words that you want to include in your Examen Beads. Feel free to use some of the suggested feeling words below.
- LOVED: When did you feel loved? Who made you feel loved?
- MAD: When did you feel mad today? How did you respond?
- PROUD: When were you proud of yourself—or someone else?
- THANKS: What’s one thing you’re thankful for today? When did you say “Thanks”?
- SAD: When did you feel sad today? When did you notice someone else feeling sad?
- SORRY: When did you say “Sorry”? Is there someone you still need to say “Sorry” to?
- WOW: What made you say, “Wow!” today? What is something you learned?
- KIND: Where did you notice kindness? How did you choose to be kind?
For an easy-to-follow, printable version with visuals and step-by-step instructions, download our free Beaded Examen Guide. It will also walk you through the five movement rhythm of the Daily Examen prayer, making it accessible for all ages.
Get the Free Download Below! Just enter your first name and email below, and we’ll send you the PDF.
Make It Your Own
One of the best parts of the Beaded Examen is that it’s endlessly customizable. Kids love it even more when the beads reflect their world.
Ideas for customizing your Examen Beads:
- Swap out the rainbow pattern for favorite colors or liturgical seasons.
- Use glow-in-the-dark beads for bedtime prayer.
- Add or change feelings to fit your family.
- Mix textures—smooth, wooden, metallic, or bumpy.
- Include charms that represent loved ones or special memories.
- Make one long necklace with every feeling, or smaller bracelets that focus on one.
There’s no single way to build Examen Beads. The goal is simply to create something tactile and colorful that reminds us God is with us in every feeling and every moment.
Why We Love This Practice
A Beaded Examen turns prayer into something kids can see, touch, and feel. It creates space for naming emotions, noticing God’s presence, and practicing gratitude—all while holding a rainbow of beads in their hands.
Whether you use this at bedtime, around the dinner table, or in Sunday school, this practice reminds us that every feeling belongs in God’s love.
Explore More Ways to Pray with Kids
A Beaded Examen is just one creative way to help kids connect with God. For more Examen and prayer resources, explore:
Chris Hooton says
Love it!
Allison says
I would love to download the pdf file, I just don’t see the space to fill in my name and email to request it on this page.
Allie Lee says
It’s about halfway down the page. Look for a blue bar that says, “PDF Freebie, Please!”