Reviewing the Day

November 9, 2008
Reviewing the Day

What do you do at the end of the day?

If you are like me you probably go over the events of the day and think about the things that went wrong and how to correct them or maybe you make a mental list of what you need to do tomorrow. Your mind is often racing in a million directions. All you want to do is quiet your mind and get a good night’s sleep.

I have recently discovered that one thing was missing from my nightly routine. A lot of us “say” prayers before going to bed or maybe read some scripture but have you ever actually shared your day with Jesus? Have you ever thought of conversing with Jesus about your daily worries and problems? Have you thanked God for the graces you have received during the day. Have you ever shared your hopes and dreams with Him?

St. Ignatius suggests that you take a few minutes every evening and look back over your day and examine how and where Christ was with you during the day:

Get comfortable and close your eyes
Let Christ show you this day as you lived it.
The people you met
The circumstances you encountered
The activities you engaged in
In Christ these things are God’s gifts to you, revealing His presence in a new way.
Recall the feelings and moods that were evoked:
Love, hope, contentment, joy, anger, fear, shame
These feelings can reveal your movement toward God or away from God
Sit with Christ and tell Him how you feel.
Listen to what Christ is telling you.
Thank God for the blessings of the day.
End with an Our Father…

This form of prayer will be challenging at first. We have a lot of “noise” in our heads and staying focused will require much practice… but always remember… Christ is with us until the end of time… God Bless… --Holly Clark