Holding Fast to What is Good

Reflect on 2021 Using the Prayer of Examen

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. Psalm 139:23-24 (The Message)

The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to reflect on the old and the new. • What did we learn in the last year about ourselves, God and others? • How did we grow? • What losses did we experience? • How was God present with us? • What are we hoping for in 2022?

There is a spiritual discipline called the examen prayer where we ask the Holy Spirit to help us see where God has been present and where we have missed Him. It is usually a daily spiritual exercise, but it can be used to review a longer period of time, like a year.

“The examen makes us aware of moments that at first we might easily pass by as insignificant, moments that ultimately can give direction for our lives.” ~ Dennis Linn

In this guide, I have summarized my experiences and the teaching on the examen prayer that you’ll find in Adele Calhuon’s work, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. This exercise of examining your past year can be as short or long as you want it to be. It will probably take at least 30 minutes but could be done over several days if you feel God leading you to reflect more deeply. You will need a notebook or journal, a pen and uninterrupted time in a quiet spot.

by Dr. Cheryl Ann Beals

A version of this article first appeared in the January 2021 issue of Tidings magazine and is used with permission. Tidings is published by the United Baptist Women’s Missionary Union of the Atlantic Provinces.

1. PREPARE

Recall that you are in the presence of God. • Pray: “God, I believe that at this moment I am in

Your presence and You are loving me. Thank You for Your everlasting love and faithfulness.” • Reflect silently on God’s loving presence with you.

Request help from the Holy Spirit • Pray: “God, You know me better than I know myself. You know my needs better than I know them.

Lord, I want to learn from 2021. Give me the light of Your presence to guide me as I review last year.

Help me to recall the things that You want me to remember and see what You want me to see.

Holy Spirit lead me!” • Reflect on being open to the leading of the

Holy Spirit.

2. REVIEW

Remember 2021 • Reflect: • What are your general impressions of 2021? • Jot down one- or two-word descriptions of 2021 (no more than 10). • Make a list of emotions that you had, or feelings you have now, about 2021.

Holding Fast to wHat is good

Reflect on 2021 Using the Prayer of Examen

Review 2021, month by month • Pray: “God help me to determine which events or experiences you want me to review. Help me to see these events and experiences through

Your eyes.” • Review major events and experiences • What events, experiences and people impacted you in 2021? • What significant events and experiences do you remember? • Make a list.

3. REFLECT

• Pray: “God, help me to reflect on the events of 2021, in order to recognize Your presence, Your blessings, and to see what You want me to discover and learn about You, myself and others.” • Reflect on your list of events and experiences. • What was most life giving? What was life thwarting? • How have you been impacted? What was positive or negative? • What are you most grateful for? Least

grateful for? • When did you experience God’s presence?

Where did God seem absent? • Where did you feel connected to God, self and others? Where did you feel disconnected?

4. RESPOND

• Pray: “Loving God thank You for all that You are showing me. Help me understand. Help me to receive. Help me to respond to Your amazing love.” • Respond: • What is God showing you? • What are you discovering about yourself, God and others? • What themes do you notice? • What lessons are you learning? • What message is God giving you? • Pause and silently reflect. • How will you respond to God and all He has shown you? • Write a prayer of response and thanksgiving. • Share your experience with a friend.

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