Daily Pause(s)

Visio Divina. Allows beauty to open the eyes of the heart, to see God’s goodness, and to reveal His truth for us.

Der Gang nach (The Road to) Emmaus (1891)

image The Road to Emmaus by Fritz von Uhde, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Invitation. Find a quiet and comfortable place to be still with God. This can be practiced any time in your day where rest and refreshment may be desired. This may also be practiced with a friend.

Follow each of the four parts. Take as long as you can to sit with each portion of the prayer exercise. You may wish to journal as you pause, notice, and wonder.

When you’re ready to begin: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and clear your mind of distractions.

• Lectio (read/see with the eyes): Open your eyes and scan the image. Note what draws your interest while continuing to scale the whole image. Close your eyes and rest.

• Meditatio (meditate) Open your eyes and allow your eyes to be led. Focus on one part of the image and silently give it a name. Close your eyes again, holding that piece of the image in your mind’s eye.

• Oratio (pray): Open your eyes and look again at the part of the image that caught your eye. Allow it to bring forth a word, image or emotion. What might God be speaking to you today through this image? Close your eyes and rest.

• Contemplatio (contemplation): Open your eyes and gaze at the image. How would you like to respond to God today? 

Evening Examen. The invitation is a moment of reflective journaling to listen in to your day’s movements. Notice how God was present, how you were present to Him and those around you. Give thanks. Receive His grace and rest in Him.

Evening Examen

• Begin with a notebook/journal, pen, and a candle if you wish.

A moment of Silence to settle in to your listening.

Journaling (don’t forget to write the date something like 10.20.22):

I’m Grateful for…

Exercise today:

My Emotions today: (ex. enlivenment, joy, compassion, worry, frustration, sadness…

• What caused these feelings to arise?

The Beautiful today:

The Challenges today:

Tomorrow’s Wonderful:

Close by reflecting on any Promises of God or Scriptures that are still staying with you. Write these down or read these verses/words in a slow rhythm.

Return to Silence (If you wish speak a simple prayer of Thanksgiving to the Lord)

Rest in HIM.

Note: Some content shared from Daily Pause Journal