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AN EXAMEN FOR PALM SUNDAY

GATHER
This week, we are going to pray the examen together, but this time we’re going to reflect on the entire season of Lent. As you gather, to prime your memories, spend a few moments remembering back to Ash Wednesday and what has passed since.  Clear the space of distractions, grab the candle and matches, and dim the lights. 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: God lives in a high and holy place, and God also lives with all who
 turn away from doing wrong.

LEADER: God, you are high and holy. God, you are near. Holy Spirit, show us how you have walked with us in the season of Lent. Continue alongside us as we journey
 this week to the cross.


REFLECT ON MY DAY
Think back over the past five weeks, using these prompts. Groups or families with small children may wish to reflect just on their weekly examen times together, to help the children recall in a more focused way.

  • What have I done to listen to Jesus during Lent? When have I prayed? 
How did it feel to try praying in a new way?

Ask God to show you times when you have rested in prayer during Lent:

  • When have I felt loved? What has made me feel close to Jesus?
When have I known that Jesus was with me?

Talk to God about when prayer and listening have been hard:

  • What has been difficult? When have I felt ashamed? When have I been bored? 
Have I noticed times when I don’t love God? 
Have I noticed things I do that hurt other people? Has God felt far away?

 

OFFER MY DAY TO GOD

Imagine placing all of your prayers and all of your feelings through Lent in Jesus’ arms. Envision his face as he receives them with love. Watch as Jesus carries all of your days, all of your feelings, and all of your questions with him to his cross. Imagine that every moment of your life — each moment you want to hold onto forever, and each you wish would disappear — is buried with Jesus. Silently, wait for Jesus to rise and bring all of your life with him. Imagine what it will be like, when the power that brings Jesus back from the dead shines through every moment of your life.

Close in prayer from Romans 3:
You, O Lord, are a shield about us. You are our glory, and the one who lifts our heads. We cried to you, and you heard our voices. We lie down and sleep; and we wake again, because you care for us. Amen.

 

DAILY PRAYERS

MONDAY, APRIL 10
In prayer today, think about the world: God made it good, but now it is full of sad and terrible things. Remember that Jesus died for this wonderful, beautiful, messed-up world. Ask God to help us see the world like he does, and to never give up on it.


TUESDAY, APRIL 11
Jesus knows, loves, and died for every single person in San Francisco: homeless people, people in jail, community helpers, teachers, elderly people, moms and dads, powerful business people, the City Supervisors, the mayor. Ask God to help us see every person in our city with his eyes today.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12
We will meet many different people today. We will talk to some of them, hug some of them, get angry at some of them, and ignore or walk past some of them. Jesus died for every single person we will meet today. Ask God to help us see them with his eyes today, and to honor them.


MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 13
We have spent Lent in prayer, finding all of ways that God is close to us. Today, thank Jesus for being present in a way we can taste and feel in the bread and wine. Thank him, too, for being present with us in all of the people who come to his table.


GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14
Today in prayer, remember Jesus on the cross. Sit quietly at the foot of the cross and know that you are surrounded by deep, deep love.


HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Today is a day of waiting. Jesus has died, and all is quiet. Ask God to help us wait for him to act, to rise, and to be with us again. Tell God how it feels to wait for Jesus to rise again and bring new life.

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE PRAYER OF THE EXAMEN DURING LENT

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