EHS Practices – Week 8 – Day 4
THEME: A Living Rule
BREATH PRAYER: Father, set me on a path that leads me closer to Your heart.
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):
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:7
Pray this week’s breath prayer and pause for a few moments of silence.
PRACTICE:
PRAYER OF EXAMEN
Over the past few weeks, we have returned to the Prayer of Examen several times. It is an incredibly helpful tool, and is more valuable the more frequently we practice it. St. Ignatius of Loyola, who taught his followers the Examen, recommended praying it at least once per day.
The Prayer of Examen is extremely adaptable and can be prayed in many forms. One of which is through listening to a guided examen, an audio recording of someone leading you through the steps of an Examen prayer. For today’s practice, visit the “Pray As You Go” website and select one of the audio examens to listen to. Some are specifically designed for the end of the day, or the end of the week, and there are even audio examens for children and students. Choose one audio examen and let it guide you through the prayer. When you are finished, open your journal and write down any notes about what you noticed or remembered during your time of prayer.
If these audio Examens are helpful for you, consider bookmarking this page to come back to regularly.
Digging Deeper: If you would like to learn more about the Examen, consider reading through some of these articles and examples.
Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your practice.
Closing: Thank God for helping you review your day through His eyes, and for the promise of His presence in the day ahead. Father, set me on a path that leads me closer to your heart.
