Examen Prayer – reflecting on my day
–Examen is prayerfully reflecting back over your day, inviting you to notice where God has been moving in your life each day. These steps are only a starting place or set of suggestions – feel free to adapt them in ways that work best for you. You can reflect through Examen at any point in the day.
BEGIN: Begin with a slow, deep breath as you become aware of God’s presence, then consider these or similar questions.
THANKSGIVING: What I am especially grateful for in the past day?
PETITION: As you begin to review, ask for the light to know God and see yourself as God sees you.
REVIEW: Where have I felt true joy today? What has troubled me today? What has challenged me today? Where and when did I pause today? Have I noticed God’s presence in any of this?
RESPONSE: In light of my review, what is my response to the God of my life?
LOOK AHEAD: As I look ahead, what comes to mind? With what spirit do I want to enter tomorrow?
–Ignatius of Loyola developed examen in the 15th century. There are many examen approaches and resources available online. These suggestions were shaped by materials at jesuitresource.org.
Praying thru Lent
Prayer is at the heart of life of faith. Connection with God, with God’s people and creation, and also with ourselves. Prayer reminds us to invite God into the challenges and joys of our lives, and helps us create a pattern of including God in our daily joys, struggles, and concerns.
Each week this Lent we will try out a different approach to prayer for you to use through the week. We’ll share some information about that week’s type of prayer and some suggestions about how to use it. Spend just a couple minutes or spend much more time; whatever fits your life each day.
Lent is sometimes seen as a time of sadness and self-denial, but really, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation for Easter, a time when we seek to move closer to God.💜