Imaginative Prayer
Put yourself in a gospel story
Let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
In imaginative prayer and contemplation, we step into the gospel to see, hear, feel and experience the Living Word in our personal and unique way. We meet Jesus in his life and allow ourselves to experience the story.
The Practice
Get settled in a comfortable chair and quiet place free of distractions.
Ask God to be near, to open your eyes and ears, and light your imagination. You might want to open your hands palms up and place them in your lap.
Read a gospel passage slowly and attentively. Then enter the story and imagine you are there either as yourself or as someone in the story. What and who do you see? What do you hear, smell and feel? How do you feel and what do you want to do?
Wander through the story and don’t worry about historical accuracy. This is not scripture but a journey with God This experience of prayer allows your imagination to run free without any restrictions.
As you wander, listen for what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit say.
Your turn. Try imaginative prayer using the Resurrection story in Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew 28:1-10 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. 4 The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. 5 Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” 8 Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Or listen and follow a guided imaginative contemplation of the passage
Spend a moment and reflect on your time here.
Extra: Michael Sparrough, SJ explains imaginative contemplation.