Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Sunday, February 25, 2024
By Nancy Carmon
Examen
Read: Psalm 51:10-12
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Recently while reading in my devotion guide I discovered a faith practice that I plan to use during Lent. It is called the Prayer of Examen. It is a prayer of reflecting on the events of the day in the presence of God. This style of prayer was originally developed in the 15th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola and typically includes five steps: rest, request, reflect, reconcile, and renew.
Rest — take some time to rest in gratitude for today’s gifts including the presence of God.
Request — give thanks for the Holy Spirit and invite the Holy Spirit’s presence during your prayer time.
Reflect — as you review the interactions with others and your thoughts of the day, think about whether you were moving towards or away from God.
Reconcile — identify where you need to change in your relationships and interactions with God and others.
Renew — look forward to tomorrow and ask for God’s guidance.
Pray — Restore in me an open heart and renew my delight in your presence. Sustain me through the day and night by the power of your Holy Spirit.
Perhaps this Prayer of Examen might be your Lenten practice this year.
Prayer
Restore in me an open heart and renew my delight in your presence. Sustain me through the day and night by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
