Encounter

Throughout this plan, we are reflecting on the year just gone and looking forward to the new year ahead, using an ancient method of prayer known as the Examen. So far, we have noticed where God was present, practiced gratitude, and reflected on the emotions the past year stirs in us. Today, we’re asking God to speak to us as we look toward the year to come.

Loving Father, please help me to be still. I open my ears to hear You now, and I quietly prepare my heart for all that You have for me as I look toward the year ahead.

Read: Psalm 23:2-4a (NLT)

Pause and pray

Shortly after His resurrection, Jesus cooked breakfast for some of His disciples on the shore of Lake Galilee. Today, I’m reflecting on the conversation that followed between Jesus and Peter, which probably shaped the rest of Peter’s life…

Read: John 21:15-17 (NIVUK)

There’s a symmetry between Peter denying Jesus three times beside the courtyard fire and Jesus asking Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ three times beside the breakfast fire. It’s as if Jesus recognised the power of that particular moment in Peter’s recent experience, and so He applied His grace in a very specific way in order to heal and restore Peter.

The next stage of the Examen involves asking the Holy Spirit to bring an experience or encounter to mind and then using it as a focus for prayer.

Holy Spirit, as I think back over this past year, reminds me of a particular experience or encounter that has shaped me.

I try to remember the details and the feelings as best I can, and I talk with God about them. What does he say to me in response?

Pause and pray

God, where have I fallen short of loving You and loving others this year? As examples come to mind, I confess them to You and say sorry.

Pause and pray

Over the last few days, I have remembered the past year, and I have recognised God’s presence with me. I have given thanks, and I have acknowledged the full range of emotions that I have experienced.

I imagine holding all of this in my hands as I sit beside Jesus on the shore of Lake Galilee. His question isn’t, ‘Was this a good year?’ or ‘Was this a bad year?’ or even ‘How have you grown this year?’ but simply this: ‘Do you love me?’ And it isn’t a test. It’s an invitation.

Lord Jesus, I love You. I yield myself to You and to Your grace. I don’t deserve it. I make so many mistakes - I made plenty during this year, as You well know. But I know that You love me, just as I am.

Amen.