Imaginative prayer, often referred to as Ignatian Contemplation, is a way of entering more deeply into a story, particularly the Gospel stories. The goal of all prayer is to come into living contact with God, and imaginative prayer invites us to do this through our imagination.
You can learn more about Ignatian Contemplation from this video by Fr. James Martin.
Monday
- Read all the Sunday scripture passages in your preferred translation. As always, note words, phrases, and questions that come up in your initial reading.
- Although any translation will work for imaginative prayer, I find that The Message particularly lends itself to entering the story imaginatively. Re-read the Gospel in that translation. You can simply Google “The Message” along with the scripture citation.
- Spend some time engaging in imaginative prayer with the Gospel passage. Note or journal about your experience.
- You may want to read my commentary on the Gospel passage or you may wish to save it for the end of the week.
Tuesday
- Re-read the Gospel passage and spend time again in imaginative prayer with it.
- Note or journal about the experience. Be sure to capture insights and emotions that come up.
- Re-read the Old Testament passage and reflect on it in light of your imaginative prayer experience.
- You may want to read my commentary on the Old Testament passage or you may wish to save it for the end of the week.
Wednesday
- Re-read the Gospel passage and spend time again in imaginative prayer with it.
- Note or journal about the experience. Be sure to capture insights and emotions that come up.
- Re-read the New Testament passage and reflect on it in light of your imaginative prayer experience.
- You may want to read my commentary on the New Testament passage or you may wish to save it for the end of the week.
Thursday
- Re-read the Gospel passage and spend time again in imaginative prayer with it.
- As you reflect on and/or journal about your experience, take note especially of feelings of boredom. Is it hard to pray with something over and over again? What can you learn from that? Or what does the absence of boredom have to say?
- If you haven’t already done so, you may wish to read my commentary on the passages.
Friday
- Look back over your notes or journaling from the week.
- What stands out?
- How have you come into contact with God through prayer?
- How have you come to know Christ more deeply through this prayer?
- Re-read the Gospel passage and spend time again in imaginative prayer with it.
- Note or journal about the experience. Be sure to capture insights and emotions that come up.
Sunday
- Think about the homily and how it enlightens and expands on your prayer experiences this week.
- How will what you have learned affect your coming week?
- Is there some action you need to take or a concrete change you want to make?