Examen, part 2: Being Grateful
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
~ Paul
Step 2 of EXAMEN. Look at your day with gratitude (Today)
Your goal today is to pause and give thanks to God for gifts of the day. Special pleasures may spring to mind: A good night's sleep, the smell of the morning coffee, the laugh of a child, a good meal or lesson learned. As you move in gratitude through the details of your day so far (or yesterday if this is first thing in the morning), give thanks to God for his presence in the big and small things of your life.
Journal Prompt:
Today (or this week) I am thankful for:
Prayer Prompt
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 32:6-7
- Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them. - You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
The Promise
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Pondering Point
Let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found infers a time is coming when this will not be possible. Pray this prayer when not in a hurry: Lord, help us number our days aright (Psalm 90:12), to not be foolish about our time (Matthew 25:13), to be aware of the evil dynamic of our times (Ephesians 5:15).