In the C16th a former Spanish soldier converted to Christianity and in time founded a religious order that came to be known as The Jesuits.

To help people follow the spiritual way, the founder, Ignatius of Loyola, wrote The Spiritual Exercises.

In a recent Sunday morning talk at St Luke’s we heard that one of these Spiritual Exercises is called The Examen.

It’s the kind of exercise you can do each night before you go to sleep, reminding yourself that this day, this year, this life is inside a mystery that we name God.

This spiritual exercise has five simple steps.

Step One. Give thanks.

Scroll through the day you’ve had and note the people or moments you’re grateful for.

Step Two. See if you can find God in that day.

Was there a moment of forgiveness or compassion? A sign of courage. Of unexpected love or kindness? You may not have noticed at the time but now perhaps you can see this was God showing up.

Step Three. Was there something you’re sorry about?

Some word you regret uttering? Some action you failed to take? A message you’d have preferred not to have sent. Someone you ignored. There’s usually something.

Step Four. Receive God’s forgiveness.

If you think there’s a slate, then visualise it being wiped clean. Then forgive yourself.

Step Five. Ask for grace for tomorrow.

Grace to practice faith and notice the Light more often.