EHS Practices – Week 2 – Day 5
THEME: KNOW YOURSELF THAT YOU MAY KNOW GOD
BREATH PRAYER: SPIRIT, HELP ME KNOW MY SHADOW, SO THAT I CAN LAY IT DOWN
SETTLING IN:
- In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
- Open with a few moments of silence. Rest, and breathe deeply.
- Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.*
- Read these words slowly (aloud or silently):
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.” (Philippians 2:12 MSG)
Pray this week’s breath prayer and pause for a few moments of silence.
PRACTICE:
REFLECTION
Read through your journal entries from the past four days. In today’s journal entry, write a brief summary of what you have experienced this week in your spiritual practices. Take note of what surprised you, what you learned, or where you experienced resistance or frustration.
This week, our prayer was that the Holy Spirit would help us know our shadow, so we can lay it down. As you reflect on this week, what experiences answered that prayer? Did you sense God speak to you in a specific way, or grant you a moment of clarity or understanding of yourself that you might otherwise have missed? No matter how small or insignificant they might seem, these moments are answers to your prayer. Write them down, and thank God for giving You this grace.
Take a moment to look at your calendar the upcoming week. As you do so, notice what you are excited about as well as anything that makes you anxious. Offer your upcoming week to God, inviting Him to be with you in each event, helping you move through the days as your true self. Give Him thanks for the times you look forward to, and ask Him to provide you peace in the fearful events and the courage to lay down your shadow.
Closing: Thank God for walking with you and teaching you this week.
