18 September 2013

Prayer of Self-examination

Ken Boa has a pretty fantastic website when it comes to spiritual formation. One of the resources I have particularly benefited from has been his prayer sequence for self examination.  I have been trying to pray through this once a week.  I pray that it is also edifying to you.


A PRAYER SEQUENCE FOR EXAMINATION 

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

The Ten Commandments 

You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.

The Lord’s Prayer 

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

The Beatitudes 

Poverty of spirit (nothing apart from God’s grace)
Mourning (contrition)
Gentleness (meekness, humility)
Hunger and thirst for righteousness
Merciful to others
Purity of heart (desiring Christ above all else)
Peacemaking
Bearing persecution for the sake of righteousness

The Seven Deadly Sins 

Pride
Avarice
Envy
Wrath
Sloth
Lust
Gluttony

The Four Cardinal and Three Theological Virtues 

Prudence (wisdom, discernment, clear thinking, common sense)
Temperance (moderation, self-control)
Justice (fairness, honesty, truthfulness, integrity)
Fortitude (courage, conviction)
Faith (belief and trust in God’s character and work)
Hope (anticipating God’s promises)
Love (willing the highest good for others, compassion)

The Fruit of the Spirit 

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

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