A quiet invitation

0:06

Welcome to the Saturday Examen.

As you begin this time of prayer, take a moment to become aware of yourself and your surroundings. If it helps, gently close your eyes. Notice the gift of simply being here. Become aware of your body, of the ground beneath you, of the sounds around you. Allow yourself to settle into this moment. As you grow still, become attuned to yourself. What is stirring within you today? What thoughts, feelings, or concerns do you bring to this time of prayer?

1:11

Now become attuned to God's presence. God is already here, waiting for you. You do not need to achieve anything or prove anything. Simply notice that you are in the presence of the One who knows and loves you. And become attuned to creation. Recall that you are part of a larger world, held within God's loving care. Allow yourself to rest for a moment within that awareness.

Before looking back over your week, ask God for the grace to see it as God sees it: with honesty, compassion, and gentle understanding.

2:30

Now cast your mind back over the days that have passed. Imagine your week as a canvas slowly being painted. The colours, shapes, and textures emerge little by little. Begin at the start of the week. What colours would you place there? Move slowly through the days. Notice where the landscape rises into hills and where it descends into valleys. What moments stand out? What memories draw your attention?

3:44

As you continue to look at this canvas, where do you notice signs of life, gratitude, peace, or joy? Where did you feel most fully yourself? Where did you feel close to God, to others, or to the beauty of creation?

4:50

Now gently turn your attention to the darker tones on the canvas. Where do you notice struggle, disappointment, anxiety, or sorrow? Which parts of the landscape feel difficult to revisit?

As you look at these places, can you notice where God might have been present? Perhaps in a person, a moment of strength, an unexpected kindness, or simply a quiet invitation to keep going.

Spend a few moments speaking openly with God about whatever has emerged during this prayer.

6:11

As we come to the end of this examen, place the whole canvas of your week into God's hands. The hills and the valleys, the bright colours and the darker shades, all belong within the larger picture that God is patiently bringing to life. Now look toward the week ahead. What paths lie before you? What hopes, questions, or challenges do you carry?

Speak with God as you would with a trusted friend and ask for whatever grace you need for the days to come. Let yourself rest in the knowledge that God will accompany you on every step of the journey.

8:57

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