Examen: Self-Reflective Prayer

Feb 26, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

This week we continue with variations of Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual exercises. The practice of examen, or self-examination helps us to discern where God is active in our lives. Ignatius’s idea was that it is often difficult to see where God is or is not present in the decisions you make at the moment in which they occur. But upon reflection, it is possible to see the fruits of those actions, both in terms of how they make you feel and what consequences result from them.

Think about your relationship with God within Christ UMC. As you contemplate your activities, thoughts, and feelings, consider the following questions.

How am I aware of the presence of God in the midst of the Christ UMC? When do I feel that presence most? When does God seem far away?

How is God at work at Christ UMC? In what ways do I allow God to work through me in the church community?

Give thanks to God for that experience.

In what ways have my (in)actions, attitudes, and words stood in the way of God’s working through Christ UMC?

Ask God for forgiveness and help in growing in the Spirit.

What do my answers tell me about where I am drawing closer to God through being a member of CUMC? Where am I turning away or causing others to turn away?