Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the law.

Here is a vision, stated in the present, of how some of our spiritual practices will be used in a practical way.

I feel so happy that at the end of the day we do the Daily Examen. We have developed a version of this that suits our needs very well, and helps us to connect with each other and with God. We are refining all the practices that we do so that they are optimal in this day. We share our experiences in our blog, Youtube, Facebook and podcasts. People are really being blessed by our insights, and inspired to do do spiritual practices that feel very relevant, meaningful, and helpful to find the peace that passes all understanding that we are promised when we follow Jesus, and have a relationship with him.

Philipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Daily Examen is a practice as described below:

“St. Ignatius Loyola’s Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites us to find the movement of God in all the people and events of our day. The Examen is simply a set of introspective prompts for you to follow or adapt to your own character and spirit.”

When we know we are going to share with each other, this helps us to remember during the day–“Oh, I will share this. Oh, I want to include God in this–I will share that.” We are more alert to how God is moving and also are more intentional about praying for guidance periodically, sensing his love, and praying in general.

I love our daily sacred pauses. There are seven times in the day that we stop briefly and pray and reflect–separately or together, depending on where we are at. Here is a description and you can learn more here.

• 7am – Awakening  – Focus on God’s goodness.  What needs to awaken in me today? Forgiveness, love for others, productivity, rest?
• 10am – Blessing – 2 things to meditate on: The Holy Spirit’s presence and the work He has set out for me on this day.  I am seeing even menial tasks as sacred when done for God’s glory.
• Noon – Illumination – Being a light. Think about ways to serve and give hope to others.
• 3pm – Wisdom – Perspective on the shortness of life – what will really matter in the end? Themes for this pause are surrender, forgiveness, and wisdom.
• 6pm – Twilight – Gratitude.  Thanking God as we transition from work to rest.
• 10pm – Great Silence- A prayer to conclude the day taking time to evaluate what the day has held: strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments.
• Midnight (or middle of the night) – Night Watch – prayers offered for those suffering in this world.