The Daily Examen :: Second Week of Lent
The Daily Examen is an ancient prayer practice that invites us into reflecting on the events of our day with the Lord, in order to discern his presence and direction for our lives. It helps us see God at work in all the parts and pieces of our lives.
Traditionally, these are the 5 movements of the practice:
Give thanks. Spend a few moments in gratitude for the gifts and blessings of the day.
Ask for light.
Examine the day.
Seek forgiveness.
Resolve to change
During this Lent, we are going to offer a Daily Examen based on the topic of the sermon from Sunday. We will all be able to use this practice as a tool to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” the Scriptures and ideas from the sermon during each day of our week. We hope you’ll join us on this Lenten journey!
Seek God through Repentance
Joel 2:12-14, Luke 15:11-20
Find a time each evening to sit quietly with the Lord for about 15 minutes.
Pause, and become aware of His presence. Perhaps breathing slowly, saying “Come,” (breath in) “Holy Spirit” (breath out).
Read the Scriptures from Sunday slowly, asking the Spirit to point out a word or phrase to you.
Remembering his deep love for you, examine your heart and life with the Spirit, asking him the following questions.
Holy Spirit, what am I seeking in my life right now? (Katie mentioned a few things that might be good prompts: belonging, stability/direction, adventure/freedom, rest, financial security, meaning, leaving a legacy)
What would you like to say to me about what I’m seeking?
Is there a place that feels like a “severe famine” in my life? How might you be wanting to use that to awaken my heart toward you? Has this situation tried to lie to me about your goodness and mercy?
Is there any place I am hiding from you? What do I need to lament? In my life? In the world? In my community/family?
Is there something you want me to repent of? What does repentance look like? What does it look like to give you my whole heart? What is your invitation to me?
What do you have to say to me about “rending my heart?” Will you help me take an honest inventory of my heart and life? (We’d encourage you to write down what the Spirit says.)
Look once again at Luke 15:20.
Holy Spirit, what do you want me to know or remember about the great love of the Father and how he responds to those who repent?
Talk to the Lord in response to what he’s said.
Collect
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy; be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
