Weekly Prayer:
Dear God, many times I wish you would just write out in the clouds what you want me to do. Wouldn’t that be easier? Then I realize that you don’t want me to be a passive robot, spinelessly following orders, but a fully alive human being choosing to walk with you each day. Thank you for that freedom. Guide me in that awesome responsibility. Amen.
Prayer Tip:
The words “mid-life crisis” can conjure up an endless examination of everything that has happened in our lives up until now, followed by another endless contemplation of the future stretched out before us. Seen that way, a “crisis” can bring us to a complete standstill, unable to leave the past, or move forward trusting God for the future.
A prayer exercise, called Examen, can help you review your life each day. It also reminds you that the best life examination focuses your attention on God and God’s movement in your life.
Examen is usually a reflection on the day just completed. It should not be a long process. About fifteen minutes is ideal, no more than thirty. Don’t overthink. Let the Holy Spirit lead. Writing in a journal or a pad of paper is helpful. Do this prayer exercise in a quiet, private place, if possible. There are five basic movements:
- Celebrate and give thanks. Quiet yourself and give thanks to God for your life, and for anything from the day past that comes to mind. Reflect on God’s presence throughout the day, and how without God, no good thing could exist.
- Pray for illumination – the grace to see clearly and understand God’s guidance in your life. Record the places you clearly saw God’s presence in the day past.
- Inventory your day, beginning when you first woke and ending with at your prayer time. What happened? How did God work in you?
- Repent. Review your spiritual health and asking for forgiveness and healing. Let God comfort you and show you what you need to see.
- Ask for and accept forgiveness, and give thanks.
End with the Lord’s Prayer, as Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13.
–Jennifer Creager, Resurrection Prayer Ministries
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