What is your story? Stories are amazing. Each one of us has a story. The facts and activities of our lives are all different. Yet there are themes that run through the story of each life that is similar such as happiness, joy, delight, surprise, illness, sorrow, suffering, pain, and sadness. Today I invite you to enter deeply into story. To prepare for the prayer experience read this devotional through in the entirety. Then set aside at least thirty minutes today for prayer. You will pray with Jesus’ story from the Last Supper and the garden betrayal as well as look to your own life experience and discern how Jesus’ story inspires new insight for your living.
The Scripture
First, read slowly the story of Jesus (Luke 22:1-62) as he ate his last meal on earth with his dear friends, went for an after dinner walk in the garden, prayed earnestly to God, and is arrested. This text is filled with details. There are insights given, conversations filled with wonder, and ideas that surpass “in the box thinking” about the future and the disciples’ relationship with Jesus. Within this text there is also sadness and misunderstanding, betrayal, and denial.
As you prayerfully read Jesus’ story, pause after each section, and contemplate the words or phrases that speak most deeply to your heart. Imagine God whispering these words or phrases to your heart. God has an invitation for you alone in these words. In your journal write down what words or phrases you hear of God’s resounding Word in your heart from each section.
For our purposes, the section division for the scripture today is:
- Judas agrees to betray Jesus (Luke 22:1-6)
- The Last Supper (Luke 22: 7-38)
- Jesus prays in the garden (Luke 22:39-46)
- Jesus arrested (Luke 22:47-53)
- Peter’s denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62)
Today’s Prayer Practice
The question for today is where does your story and this story of Jesus’ last meal, garden experience, arrest, and betrayal intersect your story? How does Jesus’ story interface or weave through your story? Is your story filled with laughter, sharing a meal with family and friends? Could your story touch upon the sorrow of betrayal by a dear friend or co-worker? Possibly your story inspires your heart to earnest prayer, as Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Or does your story lead you into personal agony like Peter who hurt and deserted a loved one in a time of need? As you pray and review your life, consider where in this Maundy Thursday scripture is your heart most captivated so that you may notice new insights and the “ah ha” moment of God’s shimmering grace in your life?
An Examen of Your Story
When you are ready, after weaving together Jesus’ story of dining, dashing, and deepening prayer with your life-story sit in silence. Soak into silence near the heart of God simply to rest. Consider in your silence the abundant life and love Jesus lavishes upon you. May this prayer experience anoint your life with God’s abiding presence as you enter Jesus’ passion this Holy Weekend.
Once you have completed praying, you may desire to print and save this devotional to use next year. Holy Week is an awesome opportunity for year Examen to notice how you are journeying through life.
Enjoy praying.
