If we are to win souls for Christ, if we are to re-fill our churches, if we are to turn society around we must reject Satan, and all his works. It begins with you and I, we must reject Satan. Our lives must become true reflections of Christ, we must become the loving reflection of Our Lord in this world.
Rejecting Satan and all his works is not just an act of will, a thing of a fixed moment in time, it is an ongoing act a process. Few of us are born as saints, we are born sinners and become saints, through the grace of Christ. We have to work at it, I have to work at it. Like learning a musical instrument we have to practice, every day for an extended period of time.
Ignatius of Loyal amongst other things left us a useful tool in the struggle, 'The Examen'. Built into the life of the pilgrim it helps us to progress, day by day, to being a truer reflection of Our Lord.
The Examen is a simple prayer system. The key thing is that it is done regularly.
Once a day, twice a day, three times a day it does not mater, but regularly. Each day you see where you are, and see where you ought to be and you strive to change. Check out this video.
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray/
Rejecting Satan and all his works is not just an act of will, a thing of a fixed moment in time, it is an ongoing act a process. Few of us are born as saints, we are born sinners and become saints, through the grace of Christ. We have to work at it, I have to work at it. Like learning a musical instrument we have to practice, every day for an extended period of time.
Ignatius of Loyal amongst other things left us a useful tool in the struggle, 'The Examen'. Built into the life of the pilgrim it helps us to progress, day by day, to being a truer reflection of Our Lord.
The Examen is a simple prayer system. The key thing is that it is done regularly.
Once a day, twice a day, three times a day it does not mater, but regularly. Each day you see where you are, and see where you ought to be and you strive to change. Check out this video.
Reject Satan and all his works, do this.
How Can I Pray the Examen?
1. Become aware of God’s presence. Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem confusing to you—a blur, a jumble, a muddle. Ask God to bring clarity and understanding.
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.
3. Pay attention to your emotions. One of St. Ignatius’s great insights was that we detect the presence of the Spirit of God in the movements of our emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. Boredom? Elation? Resentment? Compassion? Anger? Confidence? What is God saying through these feelings?
God will most likely show you some ways that you fell short. Make note of these sins and faults. But look deeply for other implications. Does a feeling of frustration perhaps mean that God wants you consider a new direction in some area of your work? Are you concerned about a friend? Perhaps you should reach out to her in some way.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to something during the day that God thinks is particularly important. It may involve a feeling—positive or negative. It may be a significant encounter with another person or a vivid moment of pleasure or peace. Or it may be something that seems rather insignificant. Look at it. Pray about it. Allow the prayer to arise spontaneously from your heart—whether intercession, praise, repentance, or gratitude.
5. Look toward tomorrow. Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what’s coming up. Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.
St. Ignatius encouraged people to talk to Jesus like a friend. End the Daily Examen with a conversation with Jesus. Ask forgiveness for your sins. Ask for his protection and help. Ask for his wisdom about the questions you have and the problems you face. Do all this in the spirit of gratitude. Your life is a gift, and it is adorned with gifts from God. End the Daily Examen with the Our Father.
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/how-can-i-pray/
