Historic investment in our future

Examen of Context


Engage in this spiritual practice for individuals, families, and groups.

Examen of Context

As we enter this time of prayerful discernment, we are mindful that we are joining with sisters and brothers around the world. This time of prayer is an opportunity to remember how God’s presence and action is experienced in every culture and context, including our own. We pray to become aware of the love and grace of our God in every moment and in all things. 

  1. Take a few moments to settle into this time of prayer. Allow your breath to deepen and draw you into silent presence with God. 
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the lenses through which you see and interpret events in your life, faith, and world. Give thanks for the influences in your life that have deepened your capacity to receive and embody the heart of the gospel for the sake of the world. Trust that your context both blesses and impedes the ways you understand and interpret reality. 
  3. Prayerfully consider the intersecting realities that have been shaping you consciously and unconsciously throughout your life. Gently let memories surface for you as you slowly move through the list below. For what in your context and experience are you most grateful?
     
    1. Race/Ethnicity 
    2. Gender
    3. Sexual Orientation 
    4. Geographic Location 
    5. Education 
    6. Family 
    7. Heritage
    8. Language
    9. Age
    10. Occupation
    11. Culture 
    12. Ability 
    13. Socio-economic status 
    14. Religion
    15. Political Ideology  
  4. One you have prayed through this list for yourself, return to the list a second time and ask the Spirit to help you become aware of your own cultural blind spots, ways your experience impedes your ability to clearly see or hear another’s perspective.  Consider those who are different from you in each of these areas. Notice how these Sacred Others might interpret events differently. Bring any resistance or insight into your time of prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you see more clearly. 
  5. Bring everything you have been discovering in prayer before God to hold in a time of silence. Record any insights, questions, or inner stirrings that arise for you. Notice how your context shapes the ways you discern important matters before the church and prepare for World Conference.  
  6. Offer the future to God. Pray that your heart may continually widen and soften to the experiences and perspectives of others in the days and weeks ahead. Give thanks for the diverse ways the Holy Spirit is active and present in all varieties of people and places.  Amen.

Scripture

I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord. —Ezekiel 37:14, NRSV

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