Apprenticeship is in the Questions

I can't claim credit for this insight. You've probably heard it elsewhere. But that doesn't make it less meaningful or less potent.

It's why John Wesley asked himself these 22 questions at the end of every day for self-examination. Across the centuries saints have found rich conversation with God through a similar examen practice at the end of the day.

I'll be honest. 22 questions is a bit much for me. I'm trying to get in a rhythm with my own end-of-day examen and have tried several different approaches. I think it should be flexible based on you, your season of life, etc.

If you haven't explored the practice before, dip your toe in the water and look at Wesley's questions. This comprehensive list was his effort to ensure that no area of life could survive self-deception nor escape the loving correction of Christ.

Read these and allow Holy Spirit to highlight the one question that deserves some self-examination with God right now...

John Wesley's 22 Questions

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?