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AN EXAMEN FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

GATHER
By yourself or with your family, community group, or friends, get comfortable in a quiet space. Make sure someone has the candle and matches. If possible, dim the lights. Turn off and put away your phones. Make sure children have used the bathroom! Say: “We are taking away all of the things that will distract us, to make space to come close to God.” Allow everyone to settle in before beginning.

 

ENTER GOD’S PRESENCE
LEADER: We invite Jesus, the light of the world, to shine on our lives and help us see God. (Light the candle)

RESPONSE: Taking courage, facing darkness, we behold the light of Christ. Amen.

LEADER: Holy Spirit, you have been with us every moment of this day. Help us to see our day through your eyes, and to hear what you have to say.

Together, sit in silence and invite the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see and ears to hear what God has to say to you


REFLECT ON MY DAY
Review what has happened today, using these prompts. Adults and older children may want to remember in silence, while younger children can walk through their day aloud:

  • What have I done today? To whom have I spoken? Where have I been? How have I felt? Ask God to help you remember the moments he wants you to see.

Remember where God has been with you today. In silence or aloud:

  • What am I thankful for today? What made me happy? When did I feel like God was next to me? How did that feel?

Remember what was hard today. In silence or aloud.

  • What was difficult today? When was I sad or angry? Did I ever feel alone or confused? When did I need Jesus to be next to me?

 

OFFER MY DAY TO GOD
What do you want to say to Jesus about your day? Silently, or in brief phrases (such as “thank you!”, “help!” or “forgive me”) talk to God about your day. Give God thanks for being present in every moment.

Close in prayer from Psalm 139:
Lord, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me.
You are all around me, behind me and in front of me. You hold me safe in your hand.
I’m amazed at how well you know me. It’s more than I can understand. 
Help me live in a way that brings you joy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

DAILY PRAYERS

MONDAY, MARCH 6
Our world is a busy, noisy place. It’s full of people working, learning, playing, growing, fighting, and dreaming. Pray that every person on earth will learn to listen to and know the God who made and loves them.


TUESDAY, MARCH 7
Our city is full of people God has made, but who do not know God. Others of us know God, but forget to listen. Pray that everyone in San Francisco will hear the good news of God’s love for them and will believe it.


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
When we listen to God, we hear Jesus tell us “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Help us to listen to Jesus, and to watch for ways to love the people in our neighborhood.


THURSDAY, MARCH 9
During Lent, our whole church is praying together and listening to God. Pray that we will persevere in prayer, and that God’s Holy Spirit will draw us closer together as we come before God together.

 


FRIDAY, MARCH 10
Pray for your family, community group, or friends who are praying together. Ask God to help you encourage one another to draw close to Jesus.

 


SATURDAY, MARCH 11
As we practice drawing near to God in Lent, pray for a growing awareness of God’s daily presence in every moment of your life. Breathe quietly, and give thanks that every breath and every beat of your heart belongs to God.

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE PRAYER OF THE EXAMEN DURING LENT

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