CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 118

MUSIC
Curated by Nathan Gutzmann
Brooke Ligertwood - Ancient Gates
Leeland - Way Maker
Bethel Music - God I Look To You
Brook Ligertwood - A Thousand Hallelujahs

A PRAYER OF EXAMEN
Written by Bobbi Salkeld

People of faith have used a practice called the Examen for centuries to reflect on their lives. 

Saint Ignatius developed the Examen for his monastic brothers in a retreat setting, but over the years adaptations have made the Examen more accessible for everyone. 

Today, I’ll guide you in a prayer of examen adapted for our setting: one where we stand together, as a community of friends and strangers, and listen to the Spirit of God among us and within us.  

When you hear questions, we’ll pause for reflection. You will also see the prompts on the screens. 
Let us pray. 

AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Thanks be to you, loving God, that we have breath in our lungs and life in our limbs.
Thanks be to you, loving God, that we are made out of the earth and our hearts are tuned to heaven everywhere.
Thanks be to you, loving God, that we enjoy you in wonder and sense you in silence. 

WHAT HAS BEEN A CONSOLATION?
We take a moment to consider – what has felt life-giving? 
Where have you felt joy and delight? 
When was the last time you laughed, like really laughed? 
What has helped you to feel really alive lately? 
We pray for the alertness to listen to our discernment in consolation. 

WHAT HAS BEEN A DESOLATION?
We take a moment to consider – what has felt draining?
Where have you felt your energy zapped?
When did you notice that your voice didn’t sound like your true voice? 
What inner thoughts have felt mean or hypercritical? 
Where is your anger hiding out these days? 

We pray for the boldness to notice the divine in desolation. 

LOOK WITH HOPE AT TOMORROW
For opportunities to learn new things and to grow in new ways, we are grateful. 
For the energy of surprises – the surprise of what real love feels like and what friends show up, we are
grateful. 
For every kindness, every confidence, every moment of clarity, we are grateful. 

May we encounter the risen Christ in all of life. Amen.