Ignatian contemplation

(This is sometimes called Imaginative Prayer and I like to call this Imaginative Reading)

When we think of using our imaginations in our time with God, suspicion or fear might try to prevent us from doing so.  We may have grown up hearing the KJV version condemning the evil “imaginations” of our hearts. This word is more accurately translated as thinking, reasoning or inclinations and does not refer to what we know of as imagination. 

We have been given the gift of our imaginations which help us to visualize as we read a novel, create art, come up with new solutions to problems, and to help us empathize with others.  This is a God-given ability and as such we should not shut off this part of our minds when interacting with our Maker. 

The stories Jesus told were in the language of the people during the time and referred to common events which they could all relate to, like planting a garden, or looking for a coin, or going fishing. They knew what it meant for someone to have leprosy and the evils of tax collectors.  The people who listened to Him could easily picture themselves in those scenarios.  Since some of the stories are more difficult for us to relate to in our modern world where we can grow vegetables all year round in greenhouses and buy fish at the grocery store, using our imaginations will help us enter the story in a deeper way.  I think we often spiritualize the people in the stories, coating them with a layer of godliness veneer.  Let’s begin to read, visualizing real people – for example – the disciples who were once fishermen would not be polished, educated, or smooth around the edges.  They likely resembled the rough, hard-working, foul-mouthed factory or dock workers we might know today. And Jesus’ birth in a barn would have looked and smelled more earthy than we like to imagine.

One author says she likes to think of this kind of contemplation as viewing a movie reel of the story. After becoming familiar with the words of the story, we sit back, close our eyes, and watch as the scenes unfold in our imaginations.  This is a way of paying close attention to the story. I find this especially helpful when reading one which is very familiar.  For these I tend to think I already know the point and fail to dig deeper and to experience the truths presented in the story, the impact of Jesus’ presence, and the affect the events had on the people in the narrative. This practice prevents me from missing out on the richness of the story.

 STEPS

1.     Take a minute to pray and ask God to teach you and guide you in your meditation. Jesus, whose life is recorded in the Gospels, lives in you today, and the Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures is also with you waiting to reveal truth. Read a story from the life of Jesus, a parable, or any favorite Bible story. You may want to read the passage over a few times.

2.     Picture the details of the story.  Imagine that you are in the scene watching all that is happening.

3.     Who are the characters in the story?  What are they thinking?  How might they be feeling?

4.     Place yourself in the story.  Who are you? 

5.     What are you feeling, seeing, smelling within the story?

6.     Where is Jesus in the story?  What is he doing? Get close to Him and ask Him what He wants to show you.

7.     Where does the truth of this story meet with your life right now? Do you hear an invitation from God in this passage? How does this passage inform the rest of today, and the future?  Does it say something about one of my roles in life?

Write out a scene script if you find writing helpful in thinking these things through.

A SAMPLE

Here is what this might look like (from Matthew 8:1-4):

I have grown so weary of my life.  How I long to be in the company of other people, to no longer be shunned, ignored and feared.  I am lonely, longing to be with those I love.  I am entirely cut off and can see no hope.  People as they pass on the street will not even glance my way, I have become an object of repulsion.  I long for someone to see me, to look into my eyes and recognize that I am a person with feelings, needs, and dreams.  And oh, how I long to feel the touch of another human.

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I’ve been travelling for days, along with my 11 friends, with our Rabbi Jesus, roaming the countryside and attracting crowds.  Jesus has become something of a sensation.  I am amazed at the things He can do.  People line up for his healing and He does it!

He tells great stories which the people are lapping up!  He talks about everyday stuff about planting and reaping, searching for something lost, and not worrying about tomorrow.  And wow, does He make the other preachers mad with His insistence that its not all about rules! It makes me chuckle but sometimes I get fearful because of the power those others hold.

He sometimes does things I do not understand.  When all the crowds were clamoring for His attention, He went off and hid away by himself.  Doesn’t He know He could win followers and increase His influence if He interacted with the crowds?

I feel proud to be part of Jesus’ entourage and I think it is part of my duty to protect Him from some of the “crazies” He always seems to attract.  People are always screaming for His attention.

Oh no!  I see one now, one of those unclean ones coming toward Jesus.  He needs to stay away!  Doesn’t He know the rules? 

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There are whispers in the air that this man Jesus is heading to my town today.  They say He heals all kinds of sickness.  Could it be possible that He would heal me?  That He could stop the spread of this disease that has taken away so much? 

The moment I see Him coming into the gates of the city I run toward Him and fall face-first on the ground. This is my last hope, what have I got to lose? 

With my heart in my mouth, I tell Him I believe He can heal me.

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What is Jesus doing?  He is stopping to talk to this unclean leper. I can hardly look at the man, he is so disfigured and repulsive.  How dare he come so close to the teacher! Who does he think he is?  I’ve got to stop him.

 “No, don’t get any closer” I yell.

But it is already too late.  Jesus has stopped and is reaching his hand toward him.

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Time stands still as I wait for Jesus to respond.  He turns toward me.  He does not immediately look away disgusted by my deformity, but it is almost like He doesn’t even see it.  He looks me in the eyes and I feel mine welling up with gratitude that He sees me…. what is He doing??  Jesus is reaching out His hand and He touches me on the shoulder.  That singular touch feels like an embrace and fills that deep ache I have been carrying for so long.   My eyes are locked onto the eyes that are looking deep into my soul. The eyes of Jesus which saw my desire to be seen and touched, are now filled with love. This is enough for me.  I can live out the rest of my days with gratitude because I am known and loved by this man.

Even as these thoughts fill my head, I can feel health returning to my body.  The nerves are waking up and I can feel the stones under my knees as I kneel on the ground. From the touch of this One I am healed and whole.

Read more about this practice over at Ignatian Spirituality: Ignatian Contemplation: Imaginative Prayer - IgnatianSpirituality.com