This exercise was written as part of a retreat and is intended to follow Session 2 Individual which can be found here. For more information about the retreat click here. If you are doing this as part of a group, click here.
The purpose of this exercise is self-reflection and confession of the Old Self in each of us. We then move to recognition and celebration that we are all made new in Christ.
Be sure you are wearing a representational garment (scarf, wrap, favorite sweatshirt, hat, etc.).
PREPARATION: Take a few minutes to review your lists from the individual exercise.
- On an index card, list three things you would like to take off from your old self.
- List three things you would like to put on to your new self.
TAKING OFF THE OLD
What characteristics of the old self are still problems in your life? Name one characteristic, and reflect on how it is an impediment in a relationship. Write your reflections in your journal. When you finish, remove your garment as a symbol of taking off the old. As you take it off, say aloud: “Because I am in Christ, I am a new creation!”
PUTTING ON THE NEW
What characteristics of the new self are not yet integral parts of your life? Name one characteristic, and reflect on how having this characteristic might heal, restore, or improve a relationship. Write your reflections in your journal. When you finish, put on your garment in a new way, as a symbol of putting on the new. Declare aloud: “The old has gone, the new is here!”
PRAY: Confess to God the characteristics of your Old Self that you still struggle with. Celebrate the ways in which God is working within you to make you a new creation.
Session 2 Application – Group Format
Sojourners y Peregrinas 