Debriefing

In Missional Renaissance, Reggie McNeal says church leaders need to move from delivering information to helping people "debrief" their lives. He writes, "The truth is that people need help debriefing their lives. They need to examine their experiences to learn from them. The goal of debriefing is to help people make sense of what is going on in them and around them. In earlier times, people accomplished this while lingering over meals with their families and engaging in late-night discussions on front porches or on the phone with friends in extended conversations. In that world, we could operate a church agenda focused on merely providing information for those discussions. Now we have to stimulate those discussions for people because they are making time for them anymore, due to the frenzied pace and isolation of contemporary life." (101)

Is that the world you live in? Over the past several months it's been a struggle for me to slow down for prayer and reflection. With an ever-expanding "things to do" list, it's hard to take time to reflect and listen, to focus on "being" rather than always "doing." On Sunday I offered the outline below as a tool to help us become more intentional about "debriefing" our days. There really is more to life than merely increasing its speed. Slowing down creates the potential of a purposeful life.

Thanksgiving
Lord, I realize that everything, even myself, is a gift from you.
Today, for what things am I most grateful?

Intention
Lord, open my eyes and ears to be more honest with myself.
Today, what do I really want for myself?

Examination
Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day.
Today, in what ways have I experienced your love?

Contrition
Lord, I am still learning to grow in your love.
Today, what choices have been inadequate responses to your love?

Hope
Lord, let me look with longing toward the future.
Today, how will I let you lead me to a brighter tomorrow?

Adapted from Through All the Days of Life, a collection of prayers compiled by Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J.

Comments

[John]

Glad your posting again. I was beginning to wonder....

I've also had a hard time slowing down lately. Maybe it's Spring fever! It was really starting to emerge last week though and your sermon Sunday was just what I needed to hear. Thanks for that :)

Keep up the good work Steve. We appreciate you!

-John

[Linda]

Jim posted this in our kitchen after the service on Sunday. You are absolutely correct that we sometimes get wrapped up in the fast pace of today's society and don't spend the time we need reflect and pray.

Thanks for the encouragement and reminder.