"A People for Others" Examen

Length: 10-15 mins

Spend time in reflective prayer focused on how knowing God can change your view of the people around you.

Link to printable version coming soon

An “examen prayer” is a spiritual practice of reflective meditation designed to help you recognize God's presence as you review your actions.

As you review the day, look for moments when you noticed another person. Think of when you may have shifted your focus from yourself to someone else. Were you admiring this person for his or her abilities or work? Were you watching this person navigate a difficult situation? Did you see that this person needed help or comfort?
Pause in gratitude for the fact that you at least noticed another person long enough to observe what he or she was doing or going through. If you cannot remember noticing someone today, then you can confess to God your failure to look up from your own affairs long enough to see others.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall the various people who were part of your life today, whether coworkers or family or strangers in line with you at the coffee shop or supermarket. Did you do or say anything to support another person today? If so, what did you do or say? How did the Holy Spirit prompt you to be a person for another?
As you recall the people you encountered this past day, allowing names and faces to come to mind, pray for those people.
Now think ahead to the people you will likely be involved with tomorrow. These would include people you live with or work with or people you might see on your commute—in other cars or on the bus or train with you . Ask God to prepare you to be open to those you will encounter.