Skip to Content Area

AN EXAMEN : 4TH SUNDAY IN LENT

GATHER
By yourself or with others, enter into a quiet space. Select a leader if necessary, and give that person the candle and matches. Dim the lights, and as a group clear the space of the things that compete for our attention: iPads, phones, snacks or toys. We are going to look back over our entire week with God, and we don’t want to get distracted from seeing the times when Jesus has been with us.

(*Note*: families with very young children may wish to invite the children to simply reflect on one day, to keep it simpler.)

 

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: God’s light will shine on those living in darkness.

LEADER: Give us your light, Holy Spirit, and guide our feet in the paths of peace.


REFLECT ON MY DAY
Think back over your entire week, watching it like a movie and asking God to call to mind moments and events that he wants you to see. They may not be the moments you thought were most important! You may want to name individual moments aloud. As we did last week, young children may need to be walked through their week with reminders.

Watch the “movie” of the things that you feel thankful for this week:

  • When did I feel like Jesus was next to me this week? Did I feel God’s love in something someone said or did? When did I feel content, like I could relax and rest? What does my body feel like when I am thankful?

Now watch the sad parts of your week:

  • Is there a part of this week I wish I could erase? Did I get angry this week? Did I feel lost or all by myself this week? What does my body feel like when I remember these parts of my week?

 

OFFER MY DAY TO GOD
Quiet your heart and mind with a few deep breaths. Ask God to speak to you about your week. Tell Jesus that you want to see where he was in all of the things you are remembering. Listen, and watch, for God as you quietly remember.

Groups doing the examen with children may wish to sit silently for a few moments and then talk about where God has been in your week, allowing the children to offer their own thoughts.

Close in prayer from Psalm 4:
Our faithful God, answer us when we call out to you.
Give us rest from our trouble.
Have mercy on us, and hear our prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

DAILY PRAYERS

MONDAY, MARCH 27
Thank God today for making a home for us on this beautiful planet. Ask God to help all of us remember that the earth does not belong to us, but is a gift to be cared for and passed on.


TUESDAY, MARCH 28
We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world! Thank God today for creating the San Francisco Bay, the hills and headlands surrounding it, and the magnificent Pacific Ocean; and for all of the people who have worked together to make this a good place to call home.


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29
We did not create ourselves: each and every person on this planet is the unique gift from a loving God. Thank God for every single person that we saw, talked with, bought something from, played with, or passed by today - whether they were pleasant or not!


THURSDAY, MARCH 30
Long ago, the Apostle Paul wrote: “So you are no longer outsiders and strangers. You are citizens together with God’s people. You are also members of God’s family.” (Eph. 2:19) Thank God for making the church into a family, and ask God to help us live like a loving family that draws others in.


FRIDAY, MARCH 31
Thank God today for your family, and for people who love you like family. Spend time in prayer giving thanks for each person who loves you and makes you feel at home.


SATURDAY, APRIL 1
God is closer to each of us than we can imagine! We are never, ever apart from God’s love. Thank God today for wanting to be close to you, and tell God how that makes you feel.

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE PRAYER OF THE EXAMEN DURING LENT

Contact

This field is required.
This field is required.
Send
Reset Form