Summer Sabbath Practices – 7.2.2018

BREATH PRAYER: Jesus, transform my heart in this ordinary time.

CENTERING:

All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord,
and all Your faithful shall bless You.
they shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
and tell of Your power,
to make known to all people Your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.

Psalm 145:11-12

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

St. Ignatius of Loyola encouraged Christ-followers toward the practice of examen as a way to discern the voice of God for ourselves, a way to learn how to recognize God’s movement in our daily lives. Examen teaches us to listen to our lives and from them, discern God’s unique way of speaking to us personally. Adele Calhoun describes this kind of prayer as “the raw material for discerning God’s unique call and design for your life.”

Review the last twenty-four hours in your mind, writing bullet points about any events or times that seem to stand out: strong emotions, physical responses, thoughts, reactions.

As you read through your list, do you notice more positive responses or more negative ones? More high points or more low points? What might that mean?

What one moment stands out most from the past day?

Reflect on where God was during this time. Imagine yourself handing this experience or encounter to Him. Tell Him how you felt about it. Ask Him what He would like you to know about it.

Thank God that He is always present with us. Thank Him for highlighting this moment for You, and ask that He will continue to teach you how to recognize His voice.

Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your examen. How might this experience help you recognize God’s voice in the future?

Closing: Jesus, transform my heart in this ordinary time.

If you are unsure how to begin listening for God’s voice and leading in your life, listen to this message by Larry Green, given at the Parish. Feel free to reach out to us at info@parishanglican.org for more information or help with these practices.