[Pearls Ep 169: Preparing for Sunday.]
For sure you’ve gotten some of “those calls” in the past. The bad ones. And you know it from nearly the first syllable. We can think of a few:
- Steve’s sister’s voice on the phone the morning my brother in-law suffered a stroke.
- Karen’s sister’s voice on the phone calling to let us know mom had died.
- Steve’s friend’s voice on the phone the day he believed his wife was having an affair.
There was no mistaking the tone of their voice. Of course, those are very intense, sudden, and traumatic situations – the person is understandably very upset.
Then there are those conversations that are more subtle – the spoken words aren’t nearly so urgent or dramatic, but you can tell something is going on – they just don’t sound “like themselves.”
Fortunately, it’s not always negative – there are also those happy moments, when you can sense the other person is bursting to tell you something wonderful.
Let’s switch gears. You’ve probably also had the experience of being thrown into something with a complete stranger – perhaps a project a work or something like that. It can be unsettling because you don’t know how they’re going to react. Are they slow and methodical or compulsive and volatile? Are they serious or lighthearted? Talkative or quiet?
In the above scenarios there are two related dynamics in play. First – we humans have a tremendous capacity to pick up on subtle behavioral queues in others. Second – our comfort level with someone grows the better we know their personality and how they react to a wide range of situations.
It is little different in our relationship with God. He has particular ways of communicating Himself to us. That’s what Jesus is telling us in this Sunday’s gospel passage – “my sheep know my voice.” Is God warning us away from danger? Is He calling us to enjoy something good? Is He telling us it’s time to relax and recharge? Is He saying it’s time to join Him on a mission?
How do we come to know His voice? The best way (and in the ordinary course of things, the only way) – is to listen. Arguably the two most powerful ways to learn to listen for God’s voice are Christian Meditation (meditating on scripture) and the Examen prayer.
You’re likely practicing daily meditation if you’re reading this email – but if not, our mobile app has short introduction to meditation in the Retreats screen, under “introductions.” And in the postscript is a short summary of the Examen prayer (the purpose of which is to review your day with God, so He can reveal how He was working in your life that day; when you were close to Him and when you may have lost sight of Him).
It’s not to say that’s all there is to it. But listening for God each day is a major part of the foundation. Next week we’ll look at the rest of the foundation.
Easter blessings –
Steve and Karen Smith
Outline of the Examen (adapted from The Examen Prayer, by Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher, OMV)
Transition: I become aware of the love with which God looks upon me as I begin this examen.
Step One: Gratitude. I note the gifts that God’s love has given me this day, and I give thanks to God for them.
Step Two: Petition. I ask God for an insight and a strength that will make this examen a work of grace, fruitful beyond my human capacity alone.
Step Three: Review. With my God, I review the day. I look for the stirrings in my heart and the thoughts that God has given me this day. I look also for those that have not been of God. I review my choices in response to both, and throughout the day in general.
Step Four: Forgiveness. I ask for the healing touch of the forgiving God who, with love and respect for me, removes my heart’s burdens.
Step Five: Renewal. I look to the following day and, with God, plan concretely how to live it in accord with God’s loving desire for my life.
Transition: Aware of God’s presence with me, I prayerfully conclude the examen.