Unknow Pilgrimage 2020 Entry #1

Click here for how this pilgrimage started

Our Unknown Pilgrimage begins with a couple of questions. Actually, there are six questions, the first three are the same question but from different perspectives and the last three move us a little deeper. These question can be used to orientate yourself to who you are right now and what you want. As we journey together, we will return from time to time to ask these same questions again. You can breath easy as there are no right or wrong answers, they are here to simple capture a snapshot of where you are at this moment in time.

We are all entering this pilgrimage from different starting points—spiritually, emotionally, and experiential. The goal of the pilgrimage is not for us to all end up in the same spot, rather it is move us to a deeper, richer relationship with God.

The context for the initial question in each set are found in scripture. You might want to have a bible handy and read the scriptural before you respond.

As you begin this time find a place where you can sit and be undisturbed for a while. Now, settle into your chair or whatever you are sitting on and take a few deep breaths, feel your body settling in to your seat. Just relax and set aside the disturbances that clutter your mind and pray that God will allow you to hear His still small voice as you think about the questions. You’ll want to answer the first question before moving onto the next. Have a journal handy so that you can right down your thoughts as you sit with each question. This isn’t timed so don’t rush your way through it. Now take a couple more deep breaths as you respond to the first question.

This question is like one was asked of John the Baptist (John 1:19-28).

1. Who am I?

Now take a minute to relax, take a couple of deep breaths before you move on to the second question. (You might find yourself repeating some of your responses to the first question here, that’s ok)

2. Who am I without out using a role you play, a job you do, or a position you hold?

Now take a minute to relax, take a couple of deep breaths before you move on to the third question. (You might find yourself repeating some of your responses to the two questions here, that’s ok)

3. Who am I as seen through God’s eyes?

Now for the second set of question. Again, respond to the first question before moving on to the next. You can settle in to your seat again. Take a few deep breaths. Feel yourself relaxing into your seat. Ask God to open your heart to what He has for you. Take a few more breaths.

The question here is similar to one ask by Jesus to a pair of blind men as Jesus was entering Jerusalem for the last time (Matthew 20:29-34)

1. What do I want?

Now take a minute to relax, take a couple of deep breaths before you move on to the second question.

2. What do I need?

Now take a minute to relax, take a couple of deep breaths before you move on to the second question.

3. What do I desire?

Click here to download PDF of the worksheet

I pray a blessing on you as you begin this Unknown Pilgrimage and trust that God will bless you as you draw closer to Him.

If you would like to connect about your discoveries either in person or virtually let me know. I am also looking in to creating a virtual space where we can all connect and share as you feel led.

You can follow this pilgrimaged by subscribing to my blog A Sojourner’s Thoughts at www.thesojournersgarden.org (tag UnknowPilgrimage2020). You can also follow along on Twitter or Instagram #unknowpilgrimage2020.

Grand Examen 2019

St Margaret Mary Hermitage WindowI sit in a hermitage (St. Margaret Mary of Alacoque) at Pacem In Terris as has become my tradition at the end of the year. This quiet and solitude gives me a chance to still myself as the old year winds down and the new year begins to unfold before me. This year I have had the opportunity to spend for days alone with God. People ask me what I do for the four days. Well, I sit, I ponder, I wander, I pray, I read, but mostly I sit in the silence and listen. I listen for what God is inviting me to explore.

My only agenda on this retreat is to do my annual Grand Examen. But even this I hold loosely. After spending most of Thursday winding down on Friday I spent time with my Grand Examen and found five things that jumped out at me.

The first two themes are interrelated. The first theme has to do with the question “What do you desire?” This is not a new question but one that seem to keep getting richer each time I ponder it. The second has to do with a spiritual polarity of wanting to have a deep, rich, intimate relationship with God (my desire) yet also holding God in Awe or Reverence. These two things seem to opposites of each other. What I have learned is that this isn’t an either or option. Rather I will have my deep, rich, intimate relationship with the God I know and hold in Awe the mysteries of God that I have yet to discover and know.

The third theme was a deep dive into who I am. I explored my false-self, dark side, enneagram, wiring, desires, and a lot more. This deep dive was about a 3 month process that was summarized in a brief 50 page paper that I am still processing though. It was a process I wouldn’t wish upon anyone but one that would be valuable to anyone who wishes to know themselves better. David Benner (The Gift of Being Yourself) would stay that it is by knowing yourself better that you would know God better. I think this rings so true.

The fourth theme really wasn’t a theme but rather an event. I spent four days last May alone and Bass Lake NW of Ely, MN off the Echo Trail. This was a campsite I haven’t been to in a very long time and it felt good to be back there. Ely holds a special place for me as it was my spiritual birthplace oh so many years ago. I was able to do a lot of reflecting over the past 35+ years of walking with God. It was just a wonderful time of remembering.

A couple of closing thought to wrap this up. First, I have been paying closer attention to my times of consolation and desolation. These two terms were coined by Ignatius of Loyola as a way of describe one one is moving towards God (Consolation) and when one is moving away from God (Desolation). Perhaps I will spend another posting exploring these two conditions. For now just notice when you are in a time of consolation or desolation. Remember and write about your times of consolation so that when you are in times of desolation you can rest in the hope that God has not left you.

The final note is that of my ongoing Invitation into the Unknown. You can read about it in the link above and follow long in my posting #Pilgrimage2020.

If you would like to explore or talk about anything I brought up let me know and we can connect with in person or virtually.

Blessing in 2020.