In this special episode, Blaine and Anthony discuss self-examination. Self-examination, or Examen, is a practice that followers of Jesus have used for centuries to see their lives as God sees them, and, therefore, as they really are.

The 5 steps of Examen

1. Center yourself
   Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for the gift of this day and the gift of God’s love for you.
2. Ask for light
   Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. Ask for the ability to hear clearly and for covering from warfare.
3. Review the day
   Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you carefully review the day just completed. Pay attention to specific moments and your feelings at the time.
4. Reflect, express gratitude, and confess
   For those moments the Spirit highlights, reflect on what you did, said, thought. Were you drawing closer to God or further from him? What is the Spirit saying about these moments? Pay attention to moments of beauty; thank God for his provision.
5. Look forward to the new day and seek out spiritual friendship
   What is the Spirit prompting you to ask for in the day to come? What is he calling you to do? Who can you seek out to discuss the themes and questions the Spirit is raising?

Where to Connect
Mount Vigil has come to an end but you can still connect with Anthony and Blaine at their respective blogs:

• Anthony - Sun Tongue
• Blaine - The Paradise King

Mentioned in this Episode

• Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
• Stories of the Saints by Carey Wallace
• Building Your Permaculture Property by Rob Avis