Prayer of Examen (version HL2011)




I found this short version of the classic 'prayer of examination' on the Mars Hill Church (Rob Bell's church in Grand Rapids, MI) website. While I like free form prayer and shy from too much introspection (I can get compulsive about that) I copied down the essentials of this classic prayer model and made it my own. I find that it is a helpful tool to focus my mind and appreciate each day. Or I use it just to get me started during quiet time. It is an opportunity to talk the day over with Papa (or just enjoy and thank him for His presence in my life)...I have sometimes written out my thoughts/answers or have also simply prayed 'in my spirit' with the questions in mind...Of course, speaking out the words is also powerful. The cool thing is, there's really no right way or wrong way to do this...

Below is the outline I use...You can find the short version in its entirety and the guided long version of the prayer here - as well as a few other handy spiritual practice tools!

Soooo - Get comfy and enjoy hangin' with Heaven!

Prayer of Examen (version HL 2011)

1.) Recognize the Presence of God

2.) Look at your day with Gratitude

3.) Review your day: 
(you might even imagine God -or Jesus or The Holy Spirit - sitting near and asking you these questions as a loving friend - answer freely, be open and honest).

-What habits and life patterns do you notice?

-When did you feel most alive?
-When did you feel most drained of life?

-When did you have the greatest sense of belonging?

-When did you feel most alone?

-When did you give love?

-When did you receieve love?

-When did you feel most fully yourself?

-When did you feel the least yourself?

-When did you feel most whole?

-When did you feel fragmented?

Resolve

-Forgive if you need to

-Seek forgiveness if you need to (already done, but it's always good to say 'sorry'... :) ).

-Ask for direction

-Share a concern

-Express Gratitude

-Resolve to move forward



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