Lent Practices – Week 3 – 2.26.2018
THEME:Subtracting our Shadow, Finding our Life
BREATH PRAYER: Lord, help me bring my shadow into the light.
CENTERING:
I will make you exceedingly fruitful.
Genesis 17:6
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
Our shadows–the cheap imitation of who we really are–are sometimes so ingrained in our actions that they can be hard to recognize. Slowly review the past day in your mind, observing yourself as if watching a movie about your life. As you reflect, invite God to highlight times when you felt free. In what moments and interactions did you feel you were living out of your truest identity? Were there times when you recognized your great value as God’s own, unrelated to your actions, reputation, or possessions? Thank the Lord for revealing these moments to you.
Reviewing your day again, when do you see yourself acting out of the belief that you are your job, what others think of you, or what you have? When have you changed your actions or words based on the belief that your true self might not be correct, accepted, or good enough? Ask the Father for forgiveness for these times, knowing He always looks at you with eyes of love and acceptance.
Ask the Lord to highlight one experience from the past day. What might He want you to know about it? Write any thoughts you have in your journal, even if you question whether they’re from God or not.
End with a few moments of silence, then thank God for what He revealed to you today.
Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your practice.
Closing: Lord, help me bring my shadow into the light.
