Embracing Reflection: The Prayer of Examen for Today’s Christians
Dear community,
These days,, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our journey with Christ and yearning to deepen our connection with Him. As Lutherans, we treasure our traditions and teachings, which guide us in our spiritual walk. Today, I invite you to explore a practice that, while not Lutheran in origin, resonates with our shared Christian values and can enrich our prayer life:
The Prayer of Examen, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola.
The Prayer of Examen is a method of prayer and meditation developed in the 16th century. It encourages a reflective and introspective approach to prayer, perfectly suited for those of us who have more time to dedicate to our spiritual life. This prayer is a journey, a daily walk with God, reflecting on the day’s events and our responses to them in light of God’s grace.
Understanding the Prayer of Examen
The Prayer of Examen consists of five simple steps:
- Gratitude: Begin by thanking God for the blessings of the day. Reflect on the simple joys, whether it’s time spent with grandchildren, the beauty of nature, or a peaceful moment of solitude.
- Review: With God’s guidance, review your day. Look at the interactions, tasks, and emotions of the day. Where did you feel God’s presence? In what moments did you feel distant?
- Reflection: Examine how you responded to both joys and challenges. Were your actions reflective of your faith? This isn’t about guilt but understanding and growth.
- Sorrow: Acknowledge any moments you fell short. Ask for God’s forgiveness and the strength to do better.
- Hopefulness: Look toward tomorrow. Ask God for guidance and how you might live a day more aligned with His will.
Why the Prayer of Examen Resonates Today
At a certain stage of life, we began to ponder our legacy, especially concerning our family. We may worry about adult children who have stepped away from the church or grandchildren who haven’t embraced our faith. The Prayer of Examen provides a structure to lift these concerns to God, examine our role in their spiritual lives, and seek wisdom in how to lovingly guide them. We must first have something to offer. It’s not about getting those around us to comply with our wishes, but more so how to care for those we love from the abundance of what the Lord is already doing in our lives.
It’s a lot like when you fly on a commercial flight and the Flight Attendant gives the safety briefing. We are always cautioned that in the event of cabin depressurization, the mask that drops down needs to first be on your face before you help those near you. Our tendency is to sacrificially serve those around us before tending to ourselves. And while this may sound heroic you may very well quickly become someone needing the assistance of others if you don’t put your mask on first. The spiritual life is very much like this. Only we don’t want to wait for a crisis to begin praying. Regular times of prayer, even if only for brief periods of time, can develop someone into the kind of person others, including our loved ones, are drawn to.
This prayer is also a powerful tool in our spiritual journey. It aligns closely with Lutheran values of self-examination, repentance, and the grace of God. As we review our day with God, we’re reminded of His constant presence in our lives, a comforting truth that anchors us in an ever-changing world.
Integrating the Prayer of Examen into Your Life
Integrating the Prayer of Examen into your daily routine can be a fulfilling spiritual practice. It can be done at any time, but many find the evening to be ideal, reflecting on the day just passed. The prayer can take as little or as much time as you wish, but allowing a quiet, uninterrupted space can enhance this reflective experience.
In conclusion, the Prayer of Examen offers a beautiful, reflective approach to prayer that can deepen our faith and understanding of The Lord’s work in our lives. It trains us to see God in all things and to live a more thoughtful and intentional Christian life. As we embrace this season of our lives, may we find joy and wisdom in this time of reflection.
Do me a favor: reach out to me if you want to explore this further, wither with me over a coffee or in a group.
Pastor Mark
0 Comments