Janée Angel
CBF Field Personnel in Antwerp, Belgium
This past year has been a bit of a struggle spiritually as we have seen the shape of ministry change due to various reasons, including the worldwide pandemic. And it could be easy to lose hope. But prayer is our lifeline. Yet sometimes we don’t know what to pray. Somewhere over the year, I discovered St. Ignatius’ Examen. Putting my own twist on his reflection, I have found it powerfully life-giving to see where God is at work each day, in big and small ways.
In the evenings, I find a quiet moment and become aware of God’s presence in my day, but specifically in this very moment. I mentally begin to trace my day and I look for and see the work of God’s hand. I thank God for those special moments. Even in the middle of my days I begin to recognize moments and encounters as those I will be especially grateful for at the end of my day. I find myself more aware of God in this ever-changing world that would normally be anxiety-giving. Those anxious moments are changing to become God-filled minutes.
As I look back to examine my day in Christ, I also recognize those things that made me sad or those things for which I need to ask forgiveness and for not leaning into Jesus but instead leaning away from His will and way. And then I look forward to walking with Him tomorrow. And I sleep a more restful sleep.
In the mornings, I have taken a version of the Examen prayer to walk through with our daughters. After we read the Bible at the breakfast table, I ask what specifically made them happy or gave them joy yesterday. Then I ask them what made them sad or frustrated. And finally, I ask if there is something that they feel they need to apologize for. We share together and end in praying over the day.
Teaching our hearts to recognize Jesus and trust in him when the world is turbulent is life giving. It increases our trust and opens our eyes to see him where we may have otherwise missed his presence.
Pray...Give...Go.