One Way to Pray!

It is always precious to me when friends reminds me of something important.  The other day a special friend sent me the Jesuit Community’s teaching on prayer.  It is the kind of ritual I began to practice years ago when I was struggling with the how of prayer.  

The truth is, unless you are a small child, most of us grapple with the best way to speak with God. It is something that just does not come to us naturally as adults.  It often feels like we’re talking to nothing — empty space.  With no communication coming back at us.

One of the most commonly asked questions, of any pastor, are on how to pray.  The second is about forgiveness.  Two very big struggles people have.

At the end of this Daily Examen is a wonderful explanation of how the habit of prayer can fill your whole being with the awareness of God’s presence in your life. 

“Over time, as you pray the examen, you’ll notice God’s presence in the moment, rather than just at the end of the day. You’ll see that your whole day can be a kind of prayer. Soon you’ll discover that you’ve become, as Jesuits likes to say, a ‘contemplative in action’.”

“Contemplative in action” has become the blessing of my life. To know God minute to minute in my day.  

This ritual used by the Jesuit Community might be helpful for you as well.

The Daily Examen

 by St. Ignatius Loyola in his classic text The Spiritual Exercises.

1. Presence: Remember that you’re in the presence of God in a special way when you pray. Ask God for help in prayer.

2. Gratitude: Recall two or three things that happened today for which you are especially grateful. Savor them. Then thank God for these gifts.

3. Review: Review you day from start to finish, noticing where you experienced God’s presence. Notice everything from large to small: from an enjoyable interaction with a friend to the feel of the sun on your face. When did you love? When were you loved?

4. Sorrow: You may have sinned today or done something you regret. Express your sorrow to God and ask for forgiveness. If it’s a grave sin, pray about seeking forgiveness from the person offended, or the sacrament of reconciliation.

5. Grace: You may want to return to a meaningful part of your prayer and speak to God about how you felt. At the close of the prayer, ask for God’s grace for the following day.

Over time, as you pray the examen, you’ll notice God’s presence in the moment, rather than just at the end of the day. You’ll see that your whole day can be a kind of prayer. Soon you’ll discover that you’ve become, as Jesuits like to say, a “contemplative in action.”

                                         By St. Ignatius Loyola in his classic text The Spiritual Exercises.