Sacred pause
This space is an invitation to pause, to draw us into deeper awareness of the presence of God within and around us, to invite us to breathe a little more deeply recognizing our own humanness, and to awaken us to the depth of love in which we are held in Jesus. Our spiritual practice for this week is:
AN EMBODIED PRAYER OF EXAMEN
The Examen is an ancient Christian practice, traditionally associated with Ignatius of Loyola. It is a simple practice of looking back over our day or our week with God. This is not to judge ourselves or to make a list of everything we did right or wrong. It is not to search for some big spiritual experience. Instead, we slow down and pay attention to our lives. We notice where we experienced joy, love, beauty, or connection. We notice where we felt weary, disconnected, or unsettled. We bring all of it honestly before God and then turn our attention toward where God may be inviting us next.
The Examen reminds us that God is already present in the ordinary details of our lives—and that when we slow down enough to notice, we may discover that we have not been alone.
As you go through the slides below, you will be invited to engage your body in four movements:
Look Back, Receive, Release and Turn Toward.
You don't need to do this perfectly and you don't need to come up with the “right” answer. You are invited to simply notice what comes up, and trust that God is present in the noticing.
Pray through the slides at your own pace. May God’s peace be with you.
