Lent Practices – Week 4 – 3.5.2018

THEME:Subtracting Consumption, Gaining Love

BREATH PRAYER: Jesus, replace my desire for consumption with Your consuming love.

CENTERING:

The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul.
‭‭Psalm 19:7

SETTLING IN:

• In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
• Open with silence. Set a timer for 1, 3, or 5 minutes so you can be free to rest and breathe deeply.
• Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.
• Read the centering verse above slowly (aloud or silently).
• Pause for a few moments of silence, then pray this week’s breath prayer.

PRACTICE:
EXAMEN

The Prayer of Examen is a tool that helps us look back on the previous day and discern God’s presence and activity in our lives. There is so much that He can show us if we simply take the time to ask. This prayer is not meant to be a “grading” of your last 24 hours. Instead, it is meant to help us catch what we otherwise would have missed while moving at the speed of our lives.

Begin by getting still and remembering that God is with you. Ask God to walk with you as you review the past 24 hours, revealing your day from His perspective rather than your own. Think back through the past day as if you were watching a movie in your mind.

In your review, take notice of what you consumed. Examples could include food, media, time with others, information, love, and so on. Don’t just limit yourself to the consumption of worldly experiences. Take note of anything that you ingested into your body, mind, or heart. Ask the Lord what He would have you know about these things.

As you remember your day, were there any moments where you experienced the Lord’s consuming love? What do you notice about those times? Were there any specific places or people involved? Thank God for these moments, recognizing them as a gift from the Father. If you can’t remember any of these moments, why do you think that might be the case?

Think about the day ahead. What events or situations are you about to encounter? Are there any places in your day where you may be able to subtract consumption so that you may make room for the love of God? As you think of each part of your day, offer it to the Lord and ask Him to be near to you and provide what you need.

Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your practice.

Closing: Jesus, replace my desire for consumption with Your consuming love.