Imaginative Prayer Activity
What for?
This prayer helps someone place themselves in scripture, as you slowly read a passage of scripture and consider questions about what it would be like to witness the scripture.
What will you need?
Choose a scripture that you would like to imagine in prayer. The scripture can be any length, however, it might be helpful to try this with somewhat familiar stories/sections of text that are no more than about ten verses.
This prayer practice is best done with two or more people. Since the imagine questions need to be catered to the text, one person can prepare these before you start this type of prayer.
How do you do it?
Read the scripture once through, listening to the words, and understanding the plot/overall theme.
Read the scripture again. This time, pause after each sentence or two. Pray the words spoken, and let your body rest in the words. Between each reading, consider yourself present as if you were listening to Pauls letters being read to the house church, or if you really were witnessing Jesus heal, etc. Some questions to consider include:
Senses: What does it smell like by the Galilee? What does the passover meal taste like? Do you feel the heat of the Sun or the cool of the night? Do you feel the tears flowing down your face? What does it sound like to hear someone respond the way they do? What is it like to be in the crowd?
Feelings: What feelings emerge inside you when you hear these words? Do you feel compassion for a particular character in this sentence? Do you turn away in shame?
Position: What character do you imagine yourself to be in the story? Are you a witness or a subject of the text? What are you encouraged to do? Would you have responded the same way the characters in the text responded?
Projection: What might this story mean in your life today? Why did those feelings and senses get triggered? Might God be revealing something new to you in light of your current situation?
Overall: What draws you closer to the scripture? What is challenging about the scripture? Do certain parts spark your excitement? Do certain parts trigger negative emotions?
After reading the text twice, spend at least ten minutes in silence without distraction. Contemplate some of the themes you discovered in the imaginative listening. Ask Jesus to teach you something new from this experience. Ask God why you are struggling with the story. Share with God what you are compelled by and what you are reluctant about.
Share a spoken prayer to transition out of this imaginative prayer. A simple unison prayer such as the doxology or the Lord’s prayer is perfect.
Feel free to share with one another what you experienced.
