A Daily Examen

July 7, 2023 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

End your day with prayer

Echo the psalmist as he says,

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.
                                                                                                   Psalm 139:23-24

With these verses in mind we settle ourselves in for prayer and begin the 5 steps or movements:

5 Steps to the Examen

  1. Thank God for all the graces and goodness you have received today, giving gratitude for his greatness.
  2. Ask God to reveal your sins to you, both those you did and things which you did not do that were possible.
  3. Look back on your day and notice where you saw God and consider where you may have missed noticing him.
  4. Ask for forgiveness, express your sorrow, and allow God’s mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace into your soul.
  5. Ask God for help and grace to improve. If you are facing a challenge, tell him.

End with a prayer of thanks or an Our Father.

Other Options

Here is a link to a variety of daily examen prayers from Ignatian Spirituality.

This week, spend 5-15 minutes praying a daily examen. Think about writing it at least once, taking a bit more time with the prayer.

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Filed Under: Not LukeWarm Podcast Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Spiritual Exercises

July 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Who is St. Ignatius?

Ignatius was born in Spain in 1491 and at 16 began serving at court and enjoying the good life of romance, fine clothes and gambling. He joined the army and in a battle in 1521 was struck by a cannonball to the knee and the trajectory of his life changed.

500 Years

This year is the 500th anniversary of that event and of Ignatius’ conversion to be of and in the world to a man who wanted to serve God alone.

Recovery and Conversion

During his recovery, he read the lives of saints and The Life of Christ. He realized he could live for the world or live for God. He chose God.

For me, the Spiritual Exercises were a turning point in my spiritual journey. They have helped me detach and learn to focus on what is important, turning away from the things that take my focus off God.

Read the quote from St. Igantius and think about how you are doing in praising, reverencing and serving God.

For a list of books on the Spiritual Exercises, click here.

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Filed Under: Not LukeWarm Podcast Tagged With: ,

Standards and Attachment

July 31, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

July 31 is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. One of the greatest gifts St. Ignatius gave the Church is the Spiritual Exercises.  The Spiritual Exercises are a way to grow closer to God, to learn to live for him and for the world. In week 2, day 4 of the Exercises he leads you through a meditation on the two standards and then on attachment.

The Two Standards

Do we choose God or the evil one? That is the question. If we choose God, then all of our actions and decisions flow from that choice. If we choose the evil one, our actions and decisions flow from there. Do we want to live for God and orient our lives toward him or not? The answer will help or hinder us in our spiritual lives.

Attachment

How attached are we to material goods? Or our own needs, ideas, and desires? How attached are we to our life, to good health, to money? I tell the story Ignatius uses as an example, a person who comes into a large sum of money. What does she do with it? It is a reminder not to hold on tightly to our own desires but to follow God’s will. When we can follow his lead in all things, we learn to be attached first and most firmly to him.

Our Not Lukewarm challenge this week

Pray the Suscpice prayer morning and evening. 

For more about St. Ignatius, take a look at my website.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Filed Under: Not LukeWarm Podcast Tagged With: , , ,