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A Prayer of Remembering

Through faith, Christians know that God is present in all things, in every moment, event and dimension of our lives. Some regard looking back as a waste of time; however reflection and prayer over past events can reveal patterns in life which can help us trust in ourselves or in God - or patterns forming unhealthy habits which need to be broken.
Often too, there are memories that need healing, and with distance, a loving God and often the sympathetic ear of a friend or retreat guide, we can free ourselves from suffering, guilt and unhelpful behaviour patterns.
Sometimes looking back enables us to re-live some of the more joyful moments of our life.

Prayer

1. Take time to quieten down, in a comfortable yet attentive position. Acknowledge that God is with you.

2. Ask for the gift of a deep, felt appreciation of how God has been present in your life - consider where you have experienced loving and being loved.

3. Remember the people and events of your life and how you felt about them. Remember both the pleasant and the painful experiences; those that give meaning to your life and those that confuse you or don't seem to have a positive side.
Let one memory touch off another by association, not necessarily logically nor chronologically.

These could be memories of:

4. Be aware of how you feel as you end your prayer.
In your own words, say whatever you feel appropriate to God. Can you end with gratitude? Be honest-express your feelings!

Review of the Prayer

After the prayer, jot down a few notes on what you remember, be particularly attentive to people, events or things you felt strongly about.

What were your emotions?
Did anything surprise you?
Do you need to pray more about anything such as: for healing from sorrow, fear or resentment; in thanksgiving for joy or God's love; to see the patterns in life; for self-acceptance, for the needs of others...