“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.
“May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38
Mary “literally” embodies the obedient presence of Christ. Not only did she say yes to God, but she carried in her body the One who later was obedient to death on the cross. (Phil. 2:8)
How are you doing with being obedient to God? Do you clench your teeth or fists at the sound of that word? How do you know, obey, and participate in God’s plan for the world?
Today, Pastor Kathleen Acker shared big news with her congregation and talks to us here about discerning God’s plan for her life and how obeying that plan has opened her to the lavish, loving nature of God. Let Kathleen be the obedient presence of Christ for us.
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The Examen is a prayer practice that can help you notice Christ’s presence through the “motions of your soul.” Practiced daily, the Examen will help you choose well.
Based on The Examen, Ignatius of Loyola
Preparation: Take your journal and pen to a place where you feel safe and will not be disturbed or make this the final practice in your bed at night. Remember to breathe and be kind to yourself throughout this reflection.
- Breathe. Pay attention to your breath, and feel your God-given life deliberately.
- Ask God for light.Invite the Holy Spirit to be with you to see yourself as God sees you.
- Give thanks.Ignatius prayed, “give thanks to God our Lord for the favors received.”
- With that gratitude, review your day. Allow this to be a time of going over the memories of the day. Some people say to look at the day like you are watching your life on film. Face into the memories that God brings to your remembrance.
Face these moments with the knowledge that you are a “loved sinner”—one who is beloved by God and misses the mark.
- Face desolations. Remember times where you felt desolate; withheld something; spoke harsh words; experienced separation, darkness, coldness, or hurt; or felt the absence of faith, hope, and love. What happened in your body? Receive and give forgiveness here.
- Celebrate consolations. Review the times you felt the presence of God, life, warmth, goodness, faith, hope, and love. What happened in your body? Taste the sweetness of it. Relish the goodness of it. Give thanks to God again for the favors you have received.
- Look toward the day to come. Ask God to give you the grace to face your day with faith, hope, and love.
- Now rest in the love of God. Fall asleep to the rhythm of your breath prayer or this breath prayer: “I rest—in God’s love.” ©Enneagram Personality Styles, Loughrige 2006, ©Motions of the Soul, Loughrige 2012
With kindness,
Clare
CONNECT WITH Kathleen
Kathleen Acker is an intern in spiritual direction through Stillpoint (www.Stillpointca.org.), based in Southern California. She has a mentor and is under supervision. Since she is an intern there is no cost involved if you are interested in pursuing a spiritual direction relationship. She desires to help create space for you to recognize and respond to God’s loving presence in your life. You can contact her through email (kjacker@me.com) or cell (909.695.3634).
LOUGHRIGE SOURCES AND RESOURCES List
- Scott and Clare’s Enneagram books here Enneagram Personality Styles, Motions of the Soul, and Spiritual rhythms for the Enneagram.
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- Scott and Clare’s Enneagram and Christianity Podcast
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