One of the ways we are transformed by God is through deep listening. Each month I want to explore a resource and a spiritual practice that will guide us into a way of listening to God and our neighbor.
During the month of June, I want to encourage us in listening to the histories of our communities of faith. You can use this resource to do a historical review of your congregation. (This resource was created by Luke Edwards at The Listening Church.)
This practice of looking back over the years and seeing where the Holy Spirit has guided us pairs well with the spiritual practice of Ignatius Examen. The Examen is typically done in the afternoon and evening and is a way for you to review your day in light of God’s presence. The Examen has five steps which you can follow once you have found a space to reflect.
- Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you.
- Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life.
- Review your day — recall specific moments and your feelings in each of those moments.
- Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Did you feel closer to God, or further away?
- Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan.
You can conclude then with the Lord’s Prayer.
If you would like a visual or auditory walk through of the Examen, you can follow along using this video.
May your journey with Jesus be one of listening, learning, and loving.
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Jason