Spiritual Discipline of Examen
Jesus’ Disciples Learn to Have Their
“I”-sight Checked with the Lord
Lamentations 3:30
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.
This week's immersion continues to delve into spiritual disciplines as a way to expand our prayer life and walk with God. Consider the Examen as another tool for your spiritual belt of truth.
Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Jesuits, Examen is a spiritual discipline of prayer looking to discover the movement of the Spirit in our daily lives by reviewing your day. There are five steps, generally taking about 15 minutes to do in all.
- Recognize that you are in the presence of God
- Look at your day with gratitude
- Ask for help from the Holy Spirit
- Review your day
- Reconcile and resolve
Some people choose to use this at lunch and/or before bed. It can be performed every day, especially when working on specific behaviors or attitudes. Many who use it regularly do so weekly. The goal this week is to try it. We will break it down one step per day, then use all five steps on Saturday (and Sunday). This is merely one interpretation of these steps to discern the movement of God’s Spirit in your day – and great for your Lenten experience.
Before you start: As with many spiritual disciplines, if possible, find a place where you are unlikely to be disturbed – with limited external noise. Consider using a candle or lower the lights to engage in this activity. Sit comfortably, relax, become aware of your breathing, and prepare to settle in with Step 1.
Step 1. Recognize that you are in the presence of God
While you are always in God's presence, prayer places you in God's presence in an especially attentive way. God knows you deeply and desires an intimate connection with you. Jesus says 'abide in me and I will abide in you.' As you quiet yourself, focus on God’s presence with you (and the creation and others around you as well). Keep in mind God’s desire to BE with you. Then be still and know that you are with God. Let your sole focus for today’s devotion be God’s presence with you and His desire to be with you.
Prayer
Father God, as we learn about this prayer tool called examen, help me see its value and learn to use it as a tool for drawing close to you, for absorbing your Word and its application in my life, and for evaluating my current walk with you; in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 32:6-7
6a Therefore let all the faithful
pray to you while you may be found;
6b surely the rising
of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7a You are my hiding place;
7b you will protect me from trouble and surround me
with songs of deliverance.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Let all the faithful pray… whether you see yourself as a faithful one or not, this is a call to you. It’s a call to all, but the faithful will likely be the ones who heed the call to pray. So make a choice and be faithful to pray.