Throughout Lent, we’ve been inviting you to pray the Examen. Here is the Examen for the 3rd week in Lent. More information can be found in the Lenten devotional, From Ashes to Glory. We have printed the full guide, and it is available in the Fireside Room or by email (let me know if you want me to send one to you).

       The practice goes like this:

· Start your time of reflection and prayer by skimming the five questions so you’re familiar with them.

· Next, do something that helps you feel prayerful – light a candle, close your eyes while you breathe deeply, or put your hand on your heart to show your intention to be open to the Spirit.

· When you are ready, pray through the five steps.

· Close your time by saying the Lord’s Prayer or offering a brief expression of gratitude for anything that might have been revealed to you.

Daily Examen for the 5th Week in Lent

The Word – “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.” (John 12:26)

Reflect – Even when we are trying to shake off a bad habit, the Examen should leave us content and even joyful. It will, if we remember that the good that we set ourselves to, we do for love—of Jesus Christ, of those he gives us, and of ourselves. This is “where” Jesus of Nazareth was, every day. This is where we find the honor given by God. We are called; we are Jesus’ servants for love.

The Examen

  1. Give Thanks. I thank God for this day, for my life, for all I am and have, and for God’s Word.
  2. Pray for Light. I ask God to let me see my day as the Holy Spirit sees it, and to show me what I need to see.
  3. Find God. I look at my day in the light of the Spirit. I look at what I have done and not done. Am I putting up with a bad habit? Have I found God in the quiet?
  4. Anything Wrong? Have I ignored God? Have I neglected God’s gifts? Where have I pleased myself instead of pleasing God? Where I have fallen short, I repent and offer thanks.
  5. What Now? I look forward in hope. What am I to do now? What do I have to avoid?

Close – with the Lord’s Prayer, this prayer, or something of your own.

To be in love in your reign, Lord of Love,
means joy in winter as rich as in spring.
It cherishes the precious dignity of friends
and looks for a good spirit in strangers.
Let me love as you love, my Lord,
and make my every action radiate
compassion and contentment.
And may every word I say
echo the words that you have said. Amen.

May the blessings of the Season of Lent be with you!

– Pastor Karen