Lent LentGuide2019-FINALweb | Page 4

In this regard, our daily practice throughout the season of Lent will be the Prayer of Examen. Found- ed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a method of personal daily prayer in which the individ- ual reflects honestly on both the challenging and beautiful events of the past 24 hours. The Examen asks us to reflect upon moments of consolation (when we have felt alive, energized, free, joy-filled) and moments of desolation (when we felt drained, anxious, trapped, angry. In the honest pondering of our daily highs and lows, we dev- leop the beautiful habit of finding God in all things. It is through this careful attention to His presence in our lives that we believe a fountain of praise will well up. Calvary’s 2019 Lenten Guide is designed to offer space for you to reflect on God’s presence each day. Each day you’ll find prompts to take those reflections and cultivate praise for all the ways you have noticed God in your daily life. On Sundays we’ll gather to profess His Name together and bring a collective sacrifice of praise as we worship. 1 The Examen is typically described in five parts: 1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Express gratitude for your day. 3. Review the day honestly - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Pay attention to your feelings as you remember specific moments. 4. Talk more deeply with God about a part of the day that is sticking with you. What would you say to God? What would God say to you? 5. Pray for tomorrow. Ask for the freedom to live your life more closely aligned with God. 1 find God in all things Ignatius The Examen Journal, Mary Williams (creatingtolove.com) Sheri Cook (http://blog.efccl.org/leadership/2013/08/the-fruit-of-lips-that-confess-his-name/) 1 2