The Daily Examen :: Fifth 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 for Spiritual and Cultural Renewal
John 3:13-18 and Revelation 21:1-5
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 areas of my life need renewal? Where do my heart and mind need renewal?
Billy talked about the Kingdom of God being not outside-in, but inside-out. Often we choose “outside” —being very bad, or (probably for most of us) being very good. Lord, do I have a veneer of good that keeps my heart from you? What do you want to unearth in my life or my heart? Have I been freed from faking it?
If spiritual renewal and cultural renewal go hand-in-hand, where are you calling me to be an agent of the renewal of all things? Where have I privatized my faith as opposed to sharing it?
Billy made the statement, “culture is religion externalized.” If that is true, Holy Spirit, what does our culture worship? Where have I believed it? How can I bring worship of you into the places you’ve sent me?
Talk to the Lord in response to what he’s said.
Collect
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners; Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
