Imagination in Prayer... Using Scripture

Photo by Michael Dave Dizon

What is it?

There are many ways of using our imagination in prayer. Praying with Scripture helps us to reflect on God’s word to us. Our God given creativity can allow us to delve more deeply into God’s message. For example, we can use our imagination to project ourselves back into the time of the passage or bring the passage forward into our own lives. The sample below is one way that we can use our imagination to pray with Scripture.

How do I do it?

  • Find a quiet place where you can relax
  • Pick a passage from Scripture
  • Read the selected Scripture passage slowly.
  • Ask:
    • Who would I like to be in this passage?
    • Read the passage again and imagine that you are this person.
    Ask:
    • What does it feel like to be this person?
    • Have I been in a similar situation?
    • Is this a totally new experience for me?
  • Read the passage a third time.
  • Ask:
    • What do the words and images mean for my life today?
    • What do they mean for my relationship with God and others?
  • Enter into a conversation with God.
  • Remember the experience as you go through the rest of your day.
Additional Resources:
Lectio Divina (Reading Scripture)
Approaches to Prayer - Imagination and Prayer
Using Scripture in Prayer and Spiritual Direction