I spend a few moments in gratitude thanking God for the blessings he has given me throughout the day. Big or small.

I ask God to help me with a decision. A decision to possibly start a family, or the opportunity to start a conversation with my partner. I bring this to the Lord. I ask God to show me a path.

I ask God if this decision will draw me closer to him, will it lead to greater faith, hope and love in my life? Does this decision bring me peace?

I ask God to reveal if this is the right time or the right decision for me. I ask God to show me my emotions surrounding starting a family. Are there any emotions that I have yet to acknowledge? I ask myself how this decision will affect those around me. Is the emotion coming from me drawing me closer to God or opposing God?

I surrender this decision to the Lord. I ask for His will to be done in my life. I place the decision at His feet. If I need to think about it longer, I sit patiently and wait for his voice, I quiet myself so I can hear from Him. I take note of the emotions surrounding me right now.

I take note of the direction God is leading me towards. Has God been nudging me for a while now? I sit at peace knowing that God will unfold this journey according to His will and thank God for his guidance.

I close the Examen thinking of the thought I deliberated. I continue to sit in God’s presence and I quietly repeat to myself: “Your will be done... Your will be done, Lord.”

I close in my usual way.