He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
“Let him that is most busied set apart some solemn time every year, in which, for the time, quitting all worldly business, he may attend wholly to fasting and prayer, and the dressing of his soul by confessions, meditations, and attendances upon God; that he may make up his accounts, renew his vows, make amends for his carelessness, and retire back again, from whence levity and the vanities of the world, or the opportunity of temptations, or the distraction of secular affairs, have carried him.
In this we shall be much assisted, and we shall find the work more easy, if, before we sleep, every night we examine the actions of the past day with a particular scrutiny, if there have been any accident extraordinary; as long discourse, a feast, much business, a variety of company. If nothing but common hath happened, the less examination will suffice; only let us take care that we sleep not without such a recollection of the actions of the day, as may represent any thing that is remarkable and great, either to be the matter of sorrow or thanksgiving: for other things a general care is proportionable.”
Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667) in Holy Living (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 45.
If you feel “most busied” like me, throughout the year I will remind you of the steps of the examen of Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556). It has five steps.
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.
A century after Ignatius, I find it interesting that Taylor calls for a similar daily rhythm in today’s post. So, don’t see the examen as Catholic or Protestant.
It’s a great rhythm for followers of Jesus everywhere. It positions us to grow in gratitude and thanksgiving, without which we cannot live give, serve and love generously.
It’s been great to be stateside for some solemn time. Now I see my flights as my solemn moments for personal scrutiny. I have to discipline myself to not work the whole time.
I must report regarding GTP. As I reflect on the year-end I am flooded with gratitude to God. We needed 100 monthly givers and God raised up 104 from 30 countries.
That positions us for submitting another major grant in the coming weeks. Thanks for your prayers for our team as we get that done.
When this posts, I will be somewhere between Frankfurt, Germany and Hyderabad, India. Thanks for your prayers for safe and fruitful ministry over the next two weeks.