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 Holy Week
The Word – “While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Mark 14:22-26)
Reflect – When we receive the Body and Blood of the Redeemer with reverence, we enact a holy yearning. Our reverence and devotion do not make us worthy to have him under our roof. Yet he comes. So our way of welcoming him is to keep good order in what’s under the roof.
The Examen
- Give Thanks. I thank God for this day, for my life, for all I am and have, and for God’s Word.
- 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.
- 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?
- Anything Wrong? Have I ignored God? Have I neglected God’s gifts? Where have I pleased others instead of pleasing God? Before the crucifix, I express my contrition to God and repent of my sins.
- 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.
That you would send your Spirit,
Lord God of heaven and earth,
and find your way into each of us,
amazes me and makes me wonder
whether my mind and heart can stretch enough
to grasp that you are here,
and to keep alive to your steady, unremitting love.
My heart is intermittent at best, Lord,
so I beg you to help me
keep loving you longer and longer,
until my whole mind and heart are filled with you,
even before you come. Amen.
May the blessings of Holy Week be with you!
– Pastor Karen