Examen - 07
Transcript
As you begin, take a few moments to become aware of God’s companionship, right now. Take a deep breath and be present to the moment—letting go of whatever else you have been busy about this day. Simply arrive—with your full self—to this moment of prayer. Entering this examen, ask for the freedom to honestly review your experience of this day in the light of God’s wisdom, to notice and experiences the graces of the day, and to name its challenges and missed opportunities with humility.
Sitting in the brilliant light of God’s friendship, give thanks for this day and for all that it has held. For St. Ignatius, gratitude was foundational for the vitality of our spiritual practice. As theologian Mary Jo Leddy writes, “when we realize how much we have been given—a life, a beginning—we are moved, almost naturally it seems to want to give away some of our things…Gratitude seems to replenish itself: as more is given, more is received.”
Now, in your memory walk through the day you have just lived. You may wish to have your literal calendar by your side, or retrace your steps hour by hour. Take your time. Linger in any moment or encounter or sensation that seems to hold particular meaning or significance. Be alert to what wells up inside of you in re-membering this day. Where do you feel alive? Fully present? Supported? Aligned with your mission and calling? Where did you experience discouragement, fear or regret? When did you feel out of alignment with your mission and calling? What do you recall with sorrow? What gifts, graces, new insights come into view? When did you well up with joy and humility?
Choose one moment or encounter or sensation that seems to hold particular significance, and converse with God about it. Speak truthfully to God, in your own words saying what needs to be said. And listen for God’s word of truth to you.
Whatever may have emerged from this prayerful conversation, what is the “deeper response” to God’s gifts of faith, hope and love that you are seeking to make? What do you need and desire from God as you look toward the day ahead?
When you are ready, close this examen with your own words of gratitude to God, the source of all good gifts—and return your mind to the space and to the here and now. Amen.
November 11, 2024
Examen: General
SUMMARY: In this examen, we walk through our experience of the day, re-membering its gifts and graces, and asking what deeper response God might be inviting from us.
PRESENTER: Claire Noonan, DMin, Vice President for Mission Integration
Transcript
As you begin, take a few moments to become aware of God’s companionship, right now. Take a deep breath and be present to the moment—letting go of whatever else you have been busy about this day. Simply arrive—with your full self—to this moment of prayer. Entering this examen, ask for the freedom to honestly review your experience of this day in the light of God’s wisdom, to notice and experiences the graces of the day, and to name its challenges and missed opportunities with humility.
Sitting in the brilliant light of God’s friendship, give thanks for this day and for all that it has held. For St. Ignatius, gratitude was foundational for the vitality of our spiritual practice. As theologian Mary Jo Leddy writes, “when we realize how much we have been given—a life, a beginning—we are moved, almost naturally it seems to want to give away some of our things…Gratitude seems to replenish itself: as more is given, more is received.”
Now, in your memory walk through the day you have just lived. You may wish to have your literal calendar by your side, or retrace your steps hour by hour. Take your time. Linger in any moment or encounter or sensation that seems to hold particular meaning or significance. Be alert to what wells up inside of you in re-membering this day. Where do you feel alive? Fully present? Supported? Aligned with your mission and calling? Where did you experience discouragement, fear or regret? When did you feel out of alignment with your mission and calling? What do you recall with sorrow? What gifts, graces, new insights come into view? When did you well up with joy and humility?
Choose one moment or encounter or sensation that seems to hold particular significance, and converse with God about it. Speak truthfully to God, in your own words saying what needs to be said. And listen for God’s word of truth to you.
Whatever may have emerged from this prayerful conversation, what is the “deeper response” to God’s gifts of faith, hope and love that you are seeking to make? What do you need and desire from God as you look toward the day ahead?
When you are ready, close this examen with your own words of gratitude to God, the source of all good gifts—and return your mind to the space and to the here and now. Amen.