Pastor's Corner “The Examen”

One of the spiritual disciplines in our Lenten guide, “A Long Walk with Jesus,” is the ancient practice of “The Examen.” Adele Calhoun provides a helpful summary of this practice in her Spiritual Disciplines Handbook:

The examen provides a way of noticing where God shows up in our day. It is a practice that attends to what we might otherwise miss in the press of duties and busyness. The questions of the examen open our attention to how God's internal movement is present in our external comings and goings. They lead us to listen deeply to the data of our lives. These questions help us pay attention to our mental state, our body responses and our emotional baggage. Our insomnia, nervous stomach, difficult interaction and headache can all take their place as a possible way of more deeply leaning into God. The examen helps us recognize the things that bring us death and life. Once these things are known, they become part of our ongoing interaction with God in prayer.

This is a very practical way of growing in Paul’s direction to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

The Lenten guide refers to class on the examen this Sunday. That class has been cancelled. The guide itself, however, provides a clear explanation for how to engage in this practice. Be sure to download it or pick up a hard copy on Sunday so you can participate in the weekly opportunities for prayer, Scripture-reading, alms-giving, and fasting. As part of the inner circle of Jesus, this is an important way for us together be with Jesus, awaken to his reality, listen to him, and walk with him into the arms of our Father.

We have an additional gift this upcoming second Sunday of Lent. At both services our youth are going to share their experiences of encountering God during their retreat. I’ve given them the sermon time so that the Spirit’s work in them can overflow into our lives to encourage and form us as well.

Your Pastor in Christ,