HOW AM I DOING? BEHIND THE [FACE]MASK? 30
LOOKING BACK " REFLECTIVE THINKING TURNS EXPERIENCE INTO INSIGHT." JOHN C. MAXWELL
Before we move forward to thinking about tomorrow, it is hugely beneficial to look back at what we’ve experienced today. There are a couple of different methods you could try; EXAMEN is an ancient way of stilling ourselves to reflect and pray at the end of a day and to notice His presence and action. We are going to use this same technique, but to think about what has happened to us over the last 12 months. St. Ignatius of Loyola practiced it in five, easy to remember steps:
// 21 EXAMEN
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY... KEY VERSES: 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5, LAMENTATIONS 3:40, EPHESIANS 1:18-23.
// 001 BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE Close your eyes, still your heart and be aware of God’s presence. Jesus promised to be with us always [MATTHEW 28:20] The last 12 months may seem confusing to you—a blur, a jumble, a muddle. Ask God to bring clarity and understanding. // 002 REVIEW WITH GRATITUDE Walk through the last 12 months. What have been the joys and delights? What gifts have your given or received? What can you give thanks to God for? // 003 PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR EMOTIONS Think about the emotions you have been through. Draw little emojis to show when you’ve been happy/sad/angry/scared/confident. Talk to God about these emotions. // 004 CHOOSE ONE FEATURE Choose one thing that stands out. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to something. It may be a conversation, an event or something that worries you, puzzles you or evokes some other kind of emotion. Make it into a prayer, either in words or pictures. // 005 LOOK TOWARDS TOMORROW Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what’s coming up. Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.
