Examen the Details by Emily Owen
‘You guys really gotta sto
p asking athletes what’s next after they win a medal at the Olympics. Let us
soak up the moment we’ve worked our whole lives for’
Simon Biles, Olympic champion in gymnastics, tweeted this shortly after winning.
Let us live in the moment, just for a bit.
Let us enjoy today.
I’m currently reading a book by Ian McKewan called ‘Saturday’.
The book begins on a Saturday (no prizes for guessing that!). I’m now about halfway through and still
in Saturday. The book takes time to note details about Saturday, and then to note details about
details.
(In my opinion, it’s a good book. I do like Ian McKewan.)
Life flashes by so quickly, doesn’t it?
When did we last take time to slow down and notice ‘details about details’ in our day?
St Ignatius promoted a prayer practice called The Examen. The Daily Examen –
IgnatianSpirituality.com
The aim of The Examen is to encourage us to be aware of God’s presence in and throughout our
days:
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
Have you tried ‘Examening the Details’ of your life and days?
I call it, or an element of it ‘God-Spotting’.
Whatever happens, God is there to be seen, if we take time to look for Him.
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare….
W.H Davies
What is this life if focussed on all else but God
We miss the blessing of looking on all else
with God?
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help….
Psalm 46:1a