Spiritual Practices
From the Pastor’s Desk:
Spiritual Practices
During the Sunday School class dealing with Mental Health, we did a couple of spiritual practices. I thought it might be useful to publish this information in order that more people might consider trying these practices to see if they help you in your walk with Jesus. Below is information about these spiritual practices.
The Examen:
In the sixteenth century, St. Ignatius Loyola developed a prayer model known as the Examen. It is meant to serve as a guide for reflecting on the events of the day. This type of reflection can be particularly helpful for people in the midst of a recovery journey. It allows them to assess their mental and emotional states, and it can point them towards the gifts, tools, and connections that God has provided for their support. There are five different stages in the Examen. Below are the five stages along with an italicized text to direct your thoughts. After each stage allow several moments of silent prayer before starting the next stage.
1. Ask God to send His Spirit
We acknowledge that we need God’s help in order to perceive the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, heart, and understanding.
2. Give thanks for the day
Think back on the events of the day and remember moments of happiness, enjoyment, and blessing. Thank God for those gifts.
3. Review the day
Consider the moments in your day where you felt overwhelmed, angry, or lonely. Were there situations where you wished you had responded differently? Bring these thoughts and feelings before God.
4. Ask for forgiveness
Where necessary, ask God for forgiveness. Take a moment to reflect on the gift of forgiveness, and to receive this gift.
5. Pray for the next day
Ask for the presence and help of the Holy Spirit. If there are any particular needs or challenges that you will face tomorrow, bring them before God specifically.
End with Amen or the Lord’s Prayer.
Lectio divina:
This is a Latin phrase that means holy reading. Sometimes it can be referred to as ‘Devotional Reading.’ This has been a practice used by the church for over 1000 years. It is a way to listen for God’s voice within a particular Biblical text. Below is the process used for Lectio. This can be done individually or within a group.
Begin in silence.
Come into the presence of God, slow down and relax. Try to quiet the noise in our minds.
Read the text.
Read the Scripture slowly (possibly out loud). Listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention or speaks to you. Don’t analyze or judge it. Listen and wait.
Read the text a second time.
Listen for any invitation that God is extending to you in this word. Reflect on the importance of the words that speak to you.
Read the text a third time.
Listen again to a word or phrase that speaks to you. Enter into personal dialogue with God about what this may mean for you. What invitation is God offering to you? Pray about the text.
Contemplate, rest and wait in the presence of God.
Allow time for the word to sink deeply into your soul. Yield and surrender yourself to God.
Finish with a prayer or the Lord’s Prayer.
Consider using these practices. Any questions, please talk with Pastor.