Examen, part 3: Holy Spirit's Help
Ephesians 1:17-19
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
~ Apostle Paul
Step 1. Recognize that you are in the presence of God
Step 2. Look at your day with gratitude
Step 3. Ask for help from the Holy Spirit (today)
Step 4. Review your day (with God’s help) (tomorrow)
Before starting step 4’s review of your day, embrace step 3 because it's a very helpful step. Seeking help from the Holy Spirit is an important habit to apply throughout your prayer life with God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you look honestly at your actions and attitudes, to understand the motivations of your heart, to see the gifts of God and how you've responded to them.
- Ask to learn and be shaped as you reflect.
These interactions with the Holy Spirit are what we call prayer prompts in IMMERSION. Keep in mind that this is not a time to dwell on your shortcomings, nor a time to get down on oneself; it is a gentle look (with God) at how you have responded to God's gifts. Consider it an opportunity to grow in understanding of yourself and your relationship with Him.
Prayer Prompt
Wednesday is normally our Identity in Christ day, so let’s work from that mindset to finish step 3:
In Christ I am given the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know God better.
Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation to know both God and yourself better.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 32:6b
6b surely the rising
of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 46:1-4
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When You walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The rising waters will not reach them. (Psalm 32:6b from above) This reminds me of Jesus’ comment closing his Sermon on the Mount in Matt 7:25: The rain came and the water rose, but the house on the rock stood firm. Is your spiritual house firm?
Matthew 7:25
25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.