SESSION- 4

DURATION -2 HOURS
AGE GROUP YOUNG ADOLESCENTS (10-13 YEARS OLD)
FOCUS PRAYER (Other forms of prayer-The Examen)
PRIOR PREPARATION:
Coordinator meets with Parents and Galilee members to run through briefly the upcoming session.
TIME WHO GAME PRAYER BIBLE
TEACHING
RESOURCES
REQUIRED
EXTRA
NOTES
3:30pm
to
5.30pm
Youth Co
ordinator
Meets group

Galilee youth
group members

Parents
Free
play
Centering
Prayer

The Examen
Bible, sacred
space items,
instrumental
candle, music
Galilee
group set
up supper.

Parents
to clean up
after
session.

3.30 Youth Coordinator meets group of young adolescents of the Jordan Youth Group and
supervises free play.
Some Galilee members, parent helpers and children chosen to prepare central gathering
space while others are at play.
Jordan group puts equipment away at end of play.
4:00 Gathering
Gathering hymn instrumental music playing while children enter room.
Coordinator draws attention to the focus for the sessions - Prayer.
Conduct Centering prayer for all gathered.
Coordinator, Galilee members and Parents place themselves among the circle of children
and participate with them
4:20








Introduction: Youth Coordinator
Coordinator explains in the last session they learnt that they can pray using Scriptures and
Lectio Divina. Today, they will learn another way of spending time with God. It is called
The Examen.
The Coordinator outlines some points about who St Ignatius was. Alternatively he/she
uses a PowerPoint created for this purpose.
Coordinator explains to children what The Examen, is using the following website:
http://isblog.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/02/lunchtime-examen.swf
(Manni, 2011)
The Coordinator will need stop the video at the end of the explanation, just before the

5:00





5:10

Examen process begins. He/ she clarifies any questions children may have, before
proceeding
The Examen
The Coordinator continues video, going through the process of Examen with the children.
The following discussion questions are later posed:
1) What did you find interesting about that process?
2) How did it make you feel?
3) Have you had this experience before? Where?
4) Would you like to have more of the Examen during our sessions?
Conclusion: Youth Coordinator
Coordinator concludes today we learnt about The Examen another powerful way to pray
and become more aware of Gods presence in our daily lives. During it, we reflect upon
our experiences of the day and ask for the grace to be able to recognise God in them. You
can make it a central element in your busy lives. A good way to use this is before you go to
bed each night.
5:15 Scripture game
Concentric circles
The children form two circles, facing each other. Each circle moves one clockwise the
other anticlockwise while soft music is played. When the music stops partners facing each
other will share with each other their thoughts on the first reflection question. The
children move on again when the music begins and when it stops, they share with their
new partner their reflections on the next questions. Continue till all 5 questions have
been reflected on and shared.
What was the best thing someone said to me today?
What was the best thing I said to someone today?
What was the best thing someone did for me today?
What was the best thing I did for someone today?
What can I do to make someone happy tomorrow?
Closing prayer: Gather round sacred space and while reflective music plays in the
background children Galilee members and parents offer spontaneous prayers to close the
session.
5:30 Home Resources
Take home resources to share with parents Examen prayer card.
What I learnt about and what we can do together.
5:30 Supper






JORDAN YOUTH GROUP TAKE HOME PARENT SHEET.
TO PARENTS
This page helps you understand what your child
learnt in Youth Group today. Being involved
with your childs faith development is enriching
for both you, your child and your family.
Our next session in on ..We would love to have you come and be part
of your childs faith journey.

WHAT WE LEARNT TODAY
Today we learnt about The Examen as a way of becoming more
aware of God in our lives. The purpose of praying the Examen to help us
reflect on our daily experiences and recognise God in them both our
negative and positive experiences. We also learnt about St Ignatius and
his life and how he used The Examen to help him connect with God.
SCRIPTURE
n/a
SUGGESTED CHILD/ PARENT FOLLOW UP
ACTIVITY
Read the Examen prayer card together and pray together as a family
during the coming week, or alone at bedtime when you tuck your child in.
DAILY PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we know you listen to our every word. Help us to
remember to talk to you in prayer and see you in everything that
happens in our lives. Amen.
Prayer card Link
http://isblog.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/17