St Paul's Lutheran Church
Ashland, Kentucky

 

MY SELF-EXAMINATION

 

Do I truly believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? Do I recognize Him as the only God, to whom all divine honor belongs? Do I fear God so that I shun sin, even such sins as man cannot see? Do I fear God more than I do the opinion and ridicule of men? Do I love God more than any earthly person or thing? Do I also love Him when He visits me with chastisements? Do I trust Him above all things? Do I trust in Him and His promises in time of trouble, or am I needlessly anxious? It is actually so that I do not trust more in men or my own resources than I do in God?

Are God's Word and His Holy Sacraments dear to me, and do I use them as I should? Do I carelessly or profanely use the name of God? Have I cursed by God's name? Have I sworn falsely or blasphemously? Have I used magic or the services of spiritualistic mediums and of fortune tellers? Have I made light of Holy things? Have I been indifferent in matters of doctrine, and have I acted toward those who have departed from the truth of God's Word as though it were a matter of no importance to do so? Have I been sincere in my confession of the truth and in my daily live? Do I often approach the Throne of Grace in prayer? Do I neglect my morning, evening, and table prayers? Do I cultivate a grateful spirit, and have I thanked and praised God as I should for all His benefits?

Have I been a diligent and devout worshiper in God's house, or am I easily persuaded to absent myself from divine service? Am I a frequent and devout communicant at the Lord's Table? Have I sought to retain and practice what I have heard in the sermon? Do I regularly contribute to the Lord's Kingdom and has the Lord prospered me? Am I an active member of my Church? Do I seek to bring in the un-churched? Do I try to set right the erring and comfort the distressed? Do I use God's Word regularly in my own home? Am I a regular private Bible-reader?

Have I been respectful and obedient to those whom God has placed over me in school, state, and home? Do I remember my superiors in my prayers as I should? Do I take the proper care of my dependents bodily and spiritually? Do I properly instruct them in the ways of God's Commandments? Do I set them a good example?

Am I envious, resentful and easily aroused to anger? Have I sinned by means of violent gestures or words and thereby offended or harmed others? Have I held a grudge against others and been unwilling to forgive or seek reconciliation? Have I undermined my own health by immoderate eating and drinking, by immoral living, or overwork? Am I kind, cheerful, humble, and meek in my contact with others? Do I pray for those who have wronged me? Do I gladly help the poor and needy?

Do I love and honor my spouse? Have I been guilty of gross sins against the Sixth Commandment? Have I sought to overcome unchaste thoughts and desires by the use of God's Word, prayer, temperance, and work?

Have I always been fair and just in my dealings with others? Have I been guilty of theft or sharp dealing? Have I taken advantage of others in buying and selling? Do I try my utmost to pay my debts? Have I been careless in contracting debts? Do I envy the prosperity of others? Am I saving without being greedy? Have I been guilty of gambling and speculating?

Have I defended others as I should? Have I prayed for them? Have I returned evil with good? Do I like to listen to gossip, and am I even a gossiper myself? Am I careful to verify evil reported that come to me about others before I pass judgment? Do I rather speak good than evil of my neighbor? Have I always realized that God hears what I say and is an Avenger of falsehood?

Do I always bear in mind that I am God's because He created, redeemed, and sanctified me and that for this reason all I am and all that I have belong to Him and should be used in His service and according to His will and direction?

Have I always looked to God for guidance? Do I ask Him to enlighten my mind and direct my will, and do I then follow such light an direction?

Am I fully convinced that I am a sinner? Do I really believe that I am a lost and condemned sinner? Do I sincerely believe that only Jesus can save me? Do I actually believe that He has saved me?

Dear Lord, I come to You for forgiveness for Christ my Savior's sake. Keep me ever as one of Your children under Your guidance and direction. Hear me O Lord. Amen.