This post is based on Week Three of An Ignatian Prayer Adventure.
Recently I used one of the versions of the Examen found in Fr. Mark Thibodeaux’s book Reimagining the Ignatian Examen for my daily prayer. This particular Examen (Saving F.A.C.E.) invited me to take a close look at four things:
- My fears
- My attachments
- My need for control
- Illusions of entitlement
It nudged me to take an honest assessment of my last few weeks and not just the last 24 hours. In particular, it invited me to pay attention to my journey with a close family member who has cancer. While this version of the Examen brought me face to face with my fear of losing my loved one and my wish to take away his pain and suffering, it also made me confront in a big way my need for control.
As I sat with this uncomfortable part of me, sorrow filled my heart and tears poured down my face. It was as if I was simultaneously acknowledging my utter dependence on God and the times I was trying to push through on my own effort alone. As the sorrow built within me, the beautiful question I first encountered almost eight years ago in the Spiritual Exercises rose within me: What ought I do for Christ?
I held that question for a long time before understanding that God was using my sorrow to invite me to a deeper trust. The sorrow allowed me to name my own need for control and how much I was struggling to surrender. It helped me acknowledge my utter dependence on God. I felt an internal recommitment to letting God be with me in this situation.
Trust me, I’m still learning what it means to not have control of a loved one’s terminal illness. This Examen and the question, What ought I do for Christ? are serving as rudders for me as I walk with my loved one. They are gently guiding my steps or missteps and providing clarity on God’s invitations.
I’ve an adult child whose unhappiness has become mine. Although there are so many good things about him, persistent chinks in his armor surface, inability to find good work, tendency to blame others, playing the victim. I worry very much. So much at stake. And sometimes my pain is visceral, a tightening around my heart. I know it’s for him to act, to change. Can my praying help? I waver on that all the time. Crises in faith daily.
St. Monica prayed for years for her son. Yes, your prayers, and I’m sure your tears, do help.
Leaving all control in the hands of the Almighty – brings hope in situations that are seemingly hopeless.
Amen. Yes it does– hope in hopeless moments.
Dear Becky,
About four weeks ago I sat by my husband’s hospital bed and did all the same things. Tears of fear, pain, sorrow and desperation fell. I cried until I was able to surrender to God’s will because that was all that was left. Having always been a control freak, surrendering was so hard but surrendering brought a peace to my heart.
Ps He is now doing better..
Adair, thank you for sharing your story. Know of my prayers for your husband. I will add him to my prayer list and hold him and you in prayer.
Thanks for your encouragement, Becky.
Thank you for sharing your experience.You will have encouraged many other people who are facing situations in which they feel helpless. God bless you and your family.
Excellent. Lots of food for thought as we struggle with control to allay our fears. Blessings.
I find myself always being brought back to the Serenity Prayer. Lord, grant me to accept (surrender) the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can (like not to remain in a victim role) and the wisdom to know the difference (using Ignatian discernment of spirits). Praying through/living out the rest of the prayer is powerful as well.
Thank you for the saving FACE acronym to help draw me nearer to God. Blessings to you.