Pre-Lenten Space Saver

• Presence

  We begin the Examen by settling down from the frenzied pace of our day. We intentionally seek to be aware of God’s presence with us. With the typical pace of life nowadays this first movement is an important step towards creating space with the Examen.

• Gratitude

  Knowing we are loved and invited we approach God not out of fear, or shame but out of a thankful heart for the grace and life we have, and will receive. Think of how often in the Scriptures, the people of God are encouraged to “remember” the works of God. Remember, how God has protected and provided for them. Remember, how they are loved and who God is guiding them to become. Throughout the New Testament, there is an overwhelming sense of thankfulness and gratitude, for all that God has, is and will do, from which we are challenged to emulate and share. As you think back on your day, what are you most thankful for? Simply express your gratitude to God.
  

• Review

  At this place in the Examen, in the loving presence of God (first movement) and with a renewed sense of God’s grace filled goodness (second movement), we are ready to prayerfully review our day. This review is anything but a cold looking back on our day with regret. Rather we seek a growing awareness of our interaction with God throughout the day. Over the course of this day where did you most fully cooperate with God’s activity in your life? Where did you resist? Why?
  

• Respond

  Up to this point in the Examen, we have looked back on our day and with God’s grace and help have gleaned spiritual insight into where God’s presence has been and to what degree we have moved in the flow of God’s grace and love. Each day, through the Examen, we bring ourselves to this potentially transformative place before God. Movement five leads us into tomorrow with a focused intention to seek God’s grace and presence, as we continue the cooperative journey with Jesus.
  Being fully aware of God’s presence, grace and love, we conclude this time of open, soulful discovery with a commitment to live tomorrow in light of the discoveries of today, with and by God’s empowering grace. We are committing and choosing to “work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in [us] to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”