I’ve written briefly before on the examen as a centuries-old, daily spiritual practice (see September 22, 2013 post). The examen, or examination of conscience, is a discipline whereby the follower of
God takes intentional time, typically near the close of the day, to consider
the manner in which they served and represented their God that day.
Recently I came across another excerpt from Church of Scotland
minister Alistair Maclean’s Hebridean
Altars, a lovely little fragment that can serve as a tiny examen for those
so inclined. The Altars are a
beautiful collection of Celtic Christian prayers and praises that Maclean
compiled from oral and written tradition in his native Hebrides, an archipelago
off the west coast of Scotland. First published in 1937, it consists of over a
hundred petitions, sayings and poems, along with brief commentary, and
highlights the down-to-earth manner in which Celts expressed and lived their
faith life. You’ll quickly notice why I find this little selection so appealing,
and why I chose to share it on my nature blog.
When
the shadows fall upon hill and glen:
and
the bird-music is mute:
when
the silken dark is a friend:
and
the river sings to the stars:
ask
thyself, brother,
ask
thyself, sister,
the
question you alone have power to answer --
O
King and Saviour of all,
what
is Thy gift to me?
and
do I use it to Thy pleasing?
I love this. In similar fashion to the lyrics of the traditional
hymn Day is Done, sung to the tune of Taps,
it employs the circadian rhythms of nature as a jumping off place for daily spiritual
reflection. In amazingly few words, the first lines completely and effectively
draw one in to the mood of the night, and then challenge the thoughtful person
to consider their personal condition with two simple questions: God, what are
Your blessings in my life? And, Do I employ them for You?
What
is Thy gift to me?
And
do I use it to Thy pleasing?
One of these days I am going to share more thoroughly here on
the examen, but for now, this charming text can get us there. Reflect on it
tonight as God gives you opportunity, and consider passing this along to others
who may find nature an important spiritual pathway.
~~ RGM September 26, 2016
P.S. Interestingly, I believe the compiler of Hebridean Altars was the father of the
popular novelist of the same name who lived later in the 20th
Century. Remember The Guns of Navarone?
P.P.S. No extra charge: On the same page that the elder
Maclean shares the above piece, he also includes this gem which can in like manner be
used as a mini-examen: Take me often from the
tumult of things into Thy presence. There show me what I am and what Thou hast
purposed me to be. Then hide me from Thy tears.
