More From Kelly Mulligan Jamieson

I first started journaling during my morning quiet times when I was in my 20s, and I have continued to do so. I write about the concerns and joys that I have experienced. I have also written about my own spiritual walk through the years and how God has spoken to me through scripture. When I retired from teaching five years ago, I decided to go back and read through the many journals I had kept. It was then that I had the idea of sharing some of my writings as possible devotionals for The Upper Room. My church has had The Upper Room daily devotional guide available for parishioners for years, and I have always enjoyed reading it and finding encouragement from others in the faith.

My August devotion, “Sacrifice of Thanksgiving,” has been an ongoing lesson for me. And as I look back over the years, I am so grateful for God’s hand in my life. Several months ago I was riding in the car scanning through radio stations when I happened upon a Catholic station where a priest was explaining a prayer practice called the Examen. It is a type of daily prayer in which you reflect on your current day and look for God’s guidance and presence. The Examen prayer the priest was explaining was intended to be prayed in the evening and included asking the following questions:   

• How did I do today as a follower of Christ?
• What did I do well?
• Did I do anything I regret? Do I need to apologize? How can I make things right?
• What am I most thankful for today?

I am a morning person, and I must admit that the first few times I tried this type of evening prayer, I fell asleep praying (which, come to think of it, may not be such a bad thing). However, I have found that the habit of examining my day has been very beneficial. The reflection piece makes me more attentive and aware of my thoughts, words, and deeds. And the thanksgiving helps me to be much more appreciative of all of God’s wondrous gifts.