I came across the word examen recently. At first, I thought it was a misspelling, but it means a spiritual practice that invites us to reflect on the past day – when we have been faithful and when we have strayed. There are many variations of this practice among religions. Wendy Miller in her book Invitation to Presence suggests that we reflect on three questions: “Lord, where have I met you? Where have I missed you? Where have I moved with you?
All three of her questions involve paying attention or “being awake.” In my EFM class we used to refer to God trying to move us in a certain direction as “nudges.” I often find that I meet God in the most unlikely places or while doing things where it is unlikely to encounter God. I also suspect I have a lot of work to do on the “missing God” part of Miller’s questions.
In today’s meditation try asking yourself these three questions. You might find you were more awake than you thought, or like me, more asleep at the switch.
Often at night, during my prayers, I wonder where and how I’ve missed our Lord and His Holy Spirit that day.
Listening is such an important part of life, but we don’t know that until later. Shame.
Very nice thought. W.