Each Saturday during Lent, we will take some time as a church family to practice a different spiritual exercise together. Today, we are practicing and learning about the Prayer of Examen.
About the Examen
The Prayer of Examen, of the Examen, is a spiritual discipline that dates back centuries. It is something that our brothers and sisters have engaged with over the years in order to reflect on where they’ve seen God’s presence over a period of time. The Examen is usually a daily practice of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern His direction for us.
So, settle into a comfortable position. If you process through writing or drawing, grab a pen/pencil and paper. Take a few deep breaths, and allow yourself a few minutes to put aside distractions. This could be silencing your phone, gathering all of those stray thoughts or worries about the day, or perhaps other people in your household. Whatever it takes, place yourself physically and mentally where you can truly focus on God.
How to Practice:
Reflect on these questions in light of your day or week:
- Where have you experienced the greatest sense of shalom (peace, contentment, wholeness, redemption, beauty, etc.)?
- Call to mind two or three things that you are grateful for. Write them down and thank God for them.
- Where have you experienced the most desolation (preoccupation, depression, anxiety, etc.)?
- Where have you most experienced the presence of God? Where did you notice Him? In what people, places, and events did you encounter God?
- Take your time and just “notice.” How has your image of God changed, matured, or been challenged?
- Close your Examen by talking to God about what you have written down.