Hanging up the January calendar is exciting! We see a NEW YEAR ahead of us, full of unknown opportunities and possibilities! It inspires us to toss aside our old, destructive attitudes and habits and start the year with new optimism and loving habits.
“I heard a loud
voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human
race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself
will always be with them.’ And he who sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make
all things new.’” –Revelation 21:3, 5
God is with us! He wants to renew
us, our relationship with Him, and our relationships with each other. He wants
to take us deeper into His presence to experience His magnificent love, power,
and peace! As we begin the new year, let’s resolve to do our part to deepen our
relationship with God through prayer -- not by using more words but by being
more mindful and receptive in our prayer time. We may do this through meditation
and contemplation. Meditation is
prayer that involves work done by us using imagery, reasoning, and other
mental activity. Contemplation is a
deeper silence initiated by God. In contemplation we’re quiet, immersed
in God’s peace, and basking in His love. Though we can’t force contemplation to
happen, meditation is intended to lead us to contemplation. When we meditate,
we think about God and open our hearts to receive His love and grace.
Saint
Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen is a
meditation designed for people of all walks of life to mindfully reflect on our
day and open our hearts to God. Here’s the basic format; take as much time on each point as you
wish:
* Relax your mind and body, slow your breathing, and be
aware of God’s presence.
* Look back on the day; notice what you’re especially
thankful for. Thank God for whatever comes to mind.
* Recall specific moments and interactions with others. What
were your feelings at these times?
* Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those
instances. Is there anything you would do differently next time, or anything
you need to ask forgiveness for? Open your heart to a ‘gut feeling’ you may be
getting from the Holy Spirit, directing you toward a specific situation.
* Look ahead to tomorrow and thank God for being with you in
whatever you have planned. Know that with God there is no time, so He’s already
there, blessing your tomorrow.
Sit quietly in His presence as long as you feel moved to do
so to allow for contemplation: “Be still and know that I am
God” (Psalm 46:10). Thank God for loving you, and for
this time with Him.
“Lord, open my heart to listen to You. Be with me; renew me;
take me deeper with You.”
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