Saturday 21 December 2024

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. On Saturdays, we like to spend our prayer time a little differently to the rest of the week. This is a moment to take some space to reflect on the encounters we’ve had with God throughout the week. Don’t worry if you haven’t prayed with us every day (or any day!). It’s only about seeing where God has been for you. This week, we have heard of some wonderful encounters of Advent and a constant invitation to trust, hope and patience. Maybe this could be the focus of our Examen today? Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a deep breath in…and then a few releasing breaths out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the faithful attention and trust that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Cast your mind back over the week… where have you experienced this need of the Lord, a call to witness, a generosity of Spirit? Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding or frustration? Allow these moments to be witnessed… Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged? Has there been something calling you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally… Looking forward, as Advent leads us on, end with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus