Listening
Through Discernment
by
Robbin Brent
While many are used to hearing the word discernment as it
relates to vocation or big decisions, I’d like to invite us to a way of
engaging with the act of discernment in every area of our lives. Not only does
the practice of discernment around the little things add up to the overall
quality of our lived experiences, when we are able to use discernment in the
“small” areas of concern, we are better able to call on this powerful practice
when facing life’s larger or harder turning points.
Today we’ll explore the practice of Examen, which is
simply a way of paying attention, of listening to God. The Daily Examen is an
ancient and powerful way of reflecting on the day so that we can more clearly
identify how and where God has shown up in our lives, and where God may be
guiding us. We can apply this process to all the places in our lives that were
touched during the day: from how we treated our loved ones as well as
strangers, to how we tended to our money, our well-being, to how we showed up
for the people and situations that we hold most dear.
Here is a brief description of the daily Examen, adapted
from ignatianspirituality.com, to help you get started. At the end of the day,
sit quietly for a few minutes, seeking God’s presence. Then:
• Review the day with gratitude, highs and lows.
• Pay attention to all of your emotions.
• Choose one
moment from the day that stands out and pray from it.
• Look toward
tomorrow, and then give everything to God to hold while you rest.
Making
It Personal:
If you engaged
with this practice, were you surprised by anything that came up?
Any new awareness's, insights, inspiration, remorse?
Is there anything you feel ready to do based on what you
learned from this practice?
Living
Well Through Lent 2021
Copyright
©2021 Scott Stoner.
All
rights reserved.
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