Confession & Self-Reflection

★ Search My Heart, O God: Read Psalm 139:23-24 and ask God to reveal any hidden sins. If any sins come to mind, confess it back to Him and then thank Him for His firgiveness.

★ Truth Post-It Notes: Write truths like “I am forgiven” or “God is faithful” and place them where you’ll see them daily.

Additional Truths:

Truths About God
~ God is always with me. – Joshua 1:9
~ God’s love for me never fails. – Lamentations 3:22-23
~ God is my refuge and strength. – Psalm 46:1
~ The Lord is fighting for me. – Exodus 14:14
~ God is faithful even when I struggle. – 2 Timothy 2:13

Truths About My Identity in Christ
~ I am a child of God. – John 1:12
~ I am completely forgiven. – 1 John 1:9
~ I am a new creation in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
~ There is no condemnation for me in Christ. – Romans 8:1
~ I am God’s masterpiece. – Ephesians 2:10

Truths About My Purpose
~ God has a plan for my life. – Jeremiah 29:11
~ I am called to be light in the world. – Matthew 5:14
~ God will complete the work He started in me. – Philippians 1:6
~ I can do all things through Christ. – Philippians 4:13
~ My life has eternal significance. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

Truths for When I Struggle
~ God’s grace is enough for me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9
~ I am not alone—God is with me. – Deuteronomy 31:6
~ God gives me peace, not fear. – John 14:27
~ God works all things for my good. – Romans 8:28
~ Nothing can separate me from God’s love. – Romans 8:38-39

★★ Weekly Confession Partner: Find a trusted friend to share those areas where you’re falling short. After sharing, immediately take turns praying for strength to overcome those sins and thank Him for His forgiveness.

★★ Truth & Lies Exercise: Make two columns—on one side, write a negative thought (“I am unworthy”), and on the other, replace it with truth (“I am chosen by God” – 1 Peter 2:9).

Common Lies along with Biblical Truths:

LIES ABOUT IDENTITY & WORTH
Lie: I am not enough.
--Truth: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:14
Lie: I am unlovable.
--Truth: Nothing can separate me from God’s love. – Romans 8:38-39
Lie: I am worthless.
--Truth: I am God’s masterpiece, created for good works. – Ephesians 2:10
Lie: I will never change.
--Truth: God is transforming me into His image. – 2 Corinthians 3:18

LIES ABOUT GOD
Lie: God has abandoned me.
--Truth: God will never leave or forsake me. – Deuteronomy 31:6
Lie: God doesn’t love me because of my past.
--Truth: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Lie: God is disappointed in me.
--Truth: The Lord delights in His people. – Zephaniah 3:17

LIES ABOUT SIN & FORGIVENESS
Lie: I’ve sinned too much to be forgiven.
--Truth: If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive. – 1 John 1:9
Lie: I have to earn God’s love.
--Truth: We are saved by grace, not by works. – Ephesians 2:8-9
Lie: I am defined by my past mistakes.
--Truth: In Christ, I am a new creation. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

LIES ABOUT FEAR & ANXIETY
Lie: I have to control everything to be safe.
--Truth: God is my refuge and strength. – Psalm 46:1
Lie: God won’t take care of me.
--Truth: God provides for all my needs. – Philippians 4:19
Lie: I am alone in my struggles.
--Truth: God is with me wherever I go. – Joshua 1:9

LIES ABOUT PUROPOSE AND CALLING
Lie: I don’t matter.
--Truth: God has good plans for my life. – Jeremiah 29:11
Lie: God can’t use me.
--Truth: God chooses the weak to show His power. – 1 Corinthians 1:27
Lie: What I do doesn’t make a difference.
--Truth: My labor in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

★★★ Ignatian Examen: Practice a structured way of self-reflection and confession developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It helps believers become more aware of God’s presence, recognize His work in their lives, and identify areas for confession and growth.

The Five Steps of the Examen

1. Become Aware of God’s Presence
- Take a moment to recognize that God is with you.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your day through His eyes.

2. Review the Day with Gratitude
- Look back over your day and thank God for specific moments.
- Consider small blessings, answered prayers, or ways God provided.

3. Examine Your Emotions and Actions
- Ask yourself: Where did I feel closest to God today? When did I drift away?
- Pay attention to your thoughts, words, and actions. Did they reflect Christ?
- Were there moments of pride, impatience, anger, or selfishness?

4. Confess and Seek Forgiveness
- Acknowledge any sin or missed opportunities.
- Ask God for forgiveness and grace to do better tomorrow.

5. Look Ahead to Tomorrow with God’s Help
- Consider how you can grow from today’s reflections.
- Ask God for strength and wisdom for tomorrow’s challenges.
- Commit to a specific change, like being more patient or speaking kindly.

Ways to Practice the Examen:
1. Written Journal: Write out your reflections for deeper processing.
2. Quiet Reflection: Sit in silence and mentally walk through the five steps.
3. Prayer Partner: Discuss your daily Examen with a trusted friend or spouse.
4. Nightly Prayer Routine: Incorporate it into your bedtime prayers.