Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, May 17, 2015
A Day’s Review, in Prayer
It was a typical Sunday. For me, that is. Work in the morning, a lot of people contact, a piano lesson, a walk in the forest preserves in the afternoon.
A beautiful day, from start to finish. A lot for me to be grateful for.
At the end of the day, it’s important for me to talk to God and thank God for everything I have received. I’ve found a brief prayer form of St. Ignatius, the Daily Examen, or daily inventory. The second part of the inventory has to do with being grateful. Here’s a brief description from a handy Ignatian website:
“2. Review the day with gratitude. Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys and delights. Focus on the day’s gifts. Look at the work you did, the people you interacted with. What did you receive from these people? What did you give them? Pay attention to small things—the food you ate, the sights you saw, and other seemingly small pleasures. God is in the details.” [1]
“Focus on the day’s gifts.” Gifts! What have I received today? Each day I received something good. Something worthwhile. Whether it’s friendly words, or deeds of service, or gifts of kindness, any or all of these are fine examples to me of good and gracious gifts from above.
Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for the gift of the Daily Examen. Thanks for the honesty and openness it takes to assist me in receiving these many things from You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.
Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind. @chaplaineliza And, read sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .
[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray
matterofprayer 