7 Ways to PraySample

Entering the Story: Praying with Imagination

An injury left him bedridden, and with the days stretching into the nights, he turned to the only two books he had, one on the life of Christ and the other on the lives of saints. When reading them became monotonous, he started to place himself in the stories. He’d alternate between imagining himself fighting a dastardly villain and becoming one of the crowd following Jesus, watching amazed as Jesus released a man suffering from demon possession. During the bedridden man’s confinement, his imagination sparked to life, providing a creative outlet for his days. 

This was Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), whose leg was shattered by a cannonball. During his recovery, he discovered the benefits of imaginative prayer using the gospel stories. This type of prayer helps us not only get in touch with memories and emotions but also deepens our faith in God. Entering a gospel story imaginatively opens us to the work of the Holy Spirit differently than when we rely on our rational minds. 

Why not place yourself imaginatively into the story of Jesus turning water into wine, the first miracle recorded in the Gospels (John 2:1-11)? Invite God to work through your imagination, asking his Holy Spirit to direct you. As you read the story, pay attention to the details—the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and emotions. What’s around you? Who is there? What do you see and smell? What party noises do you hear? Who are you in the unfolding scene? As you picture the scene, meet Jesus there. 

When we use our intuitive senses with the help of the Holy Spirit, God can change us, perhaps revealing hidden feelings that we may have buried out of pain, shame, or negligence. I trust this way of praying will help you know yourself better and strengthen your faith in God.

Loving Jesus, thank you for living as a man, for experiencing pain and joy and simple things such as the sunshine on your face. Ignite my imagination, that my faith in you would grow stronger.