"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus’ question to the blind man in Mark 10 is as much for us as it was for him. Imaginative prayer brings this question to life, inviting us to step into the Gospel stories and encounter Jesus not as a distant figure but as a personal presence.
This practice, rooted in Ignatian spirituality, uses the imagination as a gateway to encounter Jesus. By placing ourselves in a biblical story, we engage with Scripture on a sensory and emotional level, allowing God to speak to us in deeply personal ways.
Imaginative prayer isn’t about creating fiction or forcing spiritual insight. It’s about meeting Jesus in the story, just as He met people in the Gospels. It invites us to move beyond analysis and experience the living Word in a way that transforms our hearts.
1. Choose a Gospel Story
Select a passage that resonates with you. Start with narratives rich in sensory details, such as Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41) or the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).
2. Set the Scene
Find a quiet space where you can focus without distractions. Read the passage slowly, noting the details of the setting, the characters, and the emotions in the story.
3. Enter the Story
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the scene:
- What do you see, hear, smell, or feel?
- Who are you in the story? An observer? One of the disciples? The person Jesus is addressing?
- How does Jesus look at you? What does His voice sound like?
4. Engage with Jesus
As the story unfolds, notice how Jesus interacts with you. What does He say? How do you respond? Allow the story to play out naturally, trusting the Spirit to guide your imagination.
5. Reflect and Respond
Afterward, spend a few moments journaling or praying about what you experienced. What stood out to you? Did you sense an invitation or challenge from Jesus?
Imaginative prayer can be a transformative tool in discipling others. Here’s how to practice it:
- Shared Reflection : Invite your discipling group to choose the same passage and practice imaginative prayer individually. When you meet, share your experiences. What did Jesus reveal to each of you? How do these insights shape your understanding of Him?
- Tailored Encouragement : If someone in your group is struggling with a particular issue, suggest a story that might speak to their situation, like the prodigal son for someone wrestling with shame or the calming of the storm for someone feeling overwhelmed.
- Fostering Empathy : Practicing this together can deepen compassion as participants share how they relate to different characters in the story.
Imaginative prayer isn’t about manufacturing an experience or forcing a profound revelation—it’s about showing up to meet Jesus. It’s about letting the Word come alive in our hearts, not just our minds. If you’re new to this practice, start simple. Choose a story, set aside time, and trust the Spirit to guide you. Jesus is already there, waiting to meet you in the story. The question is: Are you ready to step into it?
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