Saturday 7 January 2023

Welcome to the Saturday Examen.

Yesterday, on the feast of the Epiphany, we heard the story of the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus. Today’s prayer invites you to look more closely at the gifts that God has brought to you this week. Start by picking out one good thing that you’ve received this week, and thanking God for it.

It would be a poor week when God only gave you one gift or grace. So now ask for a wider view, that you might see more clearly all the blessings that you’ve received in this first week of the New Year.

When you’ve made that request, but only when you’ve made it, let these last seven days unfold again before you, and just see what you notice spontaneously. Don’t force it or censor it. Just stay for a few moments with whatever springs to mind.

Notice, too, how you’ve responded to, or used, the gifts God has given you this week. Thank him where you’re most grateful. If you’ve wasted or misused these gifts, speak to him of this in whatever way seems appropriate.

Finally, look forward to the days ahead. How might you want to make use there of these gifts that you have received? Or what else do you need from God, knowing the places where you’ll be and the situations you’ll be facing? Speak to God of all this, as freely as one friend speaks to another.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.