LOOKING BACK

LAMENTATIONS 3:40, EPHESIANS 1:18-23.

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

// 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.

MONTH GOALS

LAMENTATIONS 1:1, PSALM 5:11, ZEPHENIA 3:14, PSALM 9:2,

// 22 LAMENT

More than a third of the Psalms are laments. In fact, the Bible is full of lamenting at key moments. “Lament turns toward God when sorrow tempts you to run from him. It’s a form of prayer. It is more than just the expression of sorrow or the venting of emotion. Lament talks to God about pain. And it has a unique purpose: trust. It is a divinely-given invitation to pour out our fears, frustrations, and sorrows for the purpose of helping us to renew our confidence in God.” Jim Martin IJM Give it a go, have a rant and write your own Psalm of lament to God. This can help us let go and let God do the rest. What is it that you’ve lost because of the pandemic? What are you grieving? What are your frustrations?

// 23 WINS

Benjamin Franklin was famous for his exceptional productivity and rigorous routines. He ended each carefully mapped day by asking, “What good did I do today?” Take stock of your year and unapologetically brag about how awesome you did. No expectations or thoughts of doing better - only what you did well. What were your 3 big wins?

// 24 LESSONS LEARNT

What did not go as well as expected and an opportunity to improve on that area in the future? What will you do if you encounter the same obstacle again tomorrow? What were three things that you learnt this year?

// 25 GRATITUDE

// 25 GRATITUDE

Gratitude means counting your blessings. It’s like cordial that can impact the flavour of your whole day. Starting your day with gratitude will give you a happiness boost before any negative worry thoughts can take hold. At night before you sleep, shift your focus to your wins (no matter how small) and the positive parts of your day. This daily practice will help you eradicate negative thought behaviours. What are 3 things you are thankful to God for during the last year?

// NOTES

What are the key points I want to remember from this section? Who might I want to talk to about this?