Helping people hear God's voice
Examen
Listening to what brings life to your heart
Invitations from God
“Come to me with your ears wide open, listen and you will find life.” (Isaiah 55:3)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…. And be thankful.” (Col.3:15)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23&24)
Purpose
• To discover more and more our unique identity and how we best give and receive love.
• To notice the accumulation of “insignificant moments” which form a pattern and give us direction in life.
• To become “fully alive” because Man fully alive is the glory of God – St. Irenaeus
Practice
• Take some time to reflect on your day or week with gratitude. As you do, ask yourself two types of questions from the Examen: "For what am I most grateful?" and "For what am I least grateful?"; "What gave me the most life?" and "What drained me the most?" This can be done alone or in community.
• Try to understand what it was about the event or situation that gave or took life from you.
• Journal your findings and share them with a friend you trust.
• As you ask these questions over time, you may notice a pattern emerging that helps you identify who God created you to be and how God is present to you in day to day life.
