Catechism: Prayer and Worship - RelationshipSample

The Way of Wisdom (Prayer of Examen). Have you ever been encouraged or given advice from a trusted friend? Maybe they were encouraging you for something great they noticed you did. Or maybe they warned you about a dangerous pattern they saw in your life or an unhealthy person around you.

What did you do with that? Did you choose to listen and then do something about what they said? Or did you choose to disregard their advice?

As hard as it can be, those words from a trusted friend could have the power to really impact your life in a positive way. If we're intentional, the same can be true about our ongoing conversation and relationship with God.

It starts with knowing and trusting that God delights in us and that because Christ died and rose again for the forgiveness of our sins, we can rest safely in his friendship and love. And in that trusted friendship, as we invite him in, God shares his heart and wisdom with us.

Next, we set aside a few moments or minutes to be still and think about our day, the choices we’ve made, and the thoughts we’ve had. Being still allows distractions to fade away and our mind to shift from doing to simply being. Then we can consider and reflect on how God was with us and what he was revealing to us.

And finally, we ask God in prayer to show us and teach us what’s going on inside our hearts and minds and if there’s anything we need to be aware of or change. And as he speaks, we don’t feel judged or condemned because we know he wants what is best for us.

Today and every day, let’s receive his love, guidance, and wisdom and make our greatest desire to be with and follow him.

Consider: When you think about asking God to search your heart and thoughts, what emotions do you feel? Why might that be happening?

Reflect: Take time to be still and remind yourself of God’s love. Once you feel grounded in that truth, ask God to search you and show you what he sees, trusting his wisdom will be for your good. Finish by thanking him for his wisdom and love in your life.