Personal, Exciting, Simple: 3 Reasons to Integrate Imaginative Prayer This Lent
From Lent to Lent, my prayer life ebbs and flows. Life has a way of shifting, and as it shifts, we are called to adapt. As this happens, consistent prayer can be a real challenge. Finding the time, as well as knowing how to pray can feel overwhelming, and therefore be put aside.
Entering this holy season of Lent, I am reminded of a style of prayer that has been a bastion in my own life. Whatever season I find myself in, I am always drawn deeper into a relationship with Christ through imaginative prayer.
If you aren’t familiar, imaginative prayer, in the Ignatian sense, is an active way of praying that helps connect the head and the heart, integrating our emotions. It is the idea of reading the Scriptures, specifically the Gospels, and trying to immerse yourself in them. As you read, you can try to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene being described.
There are many reasons that this approach to prayer has endured through centuries. Here are three reasons I use imaginative prayer, and why you might want to as well.
Mary Beth Keenan, @mb_keenan.15.
One: It’s Personal
Imaginative prayer has the potential to be profoundly powerful. It is through this method of prayer that I have experienced some of my most intimate encounters with the Living God. It looks a little different for everyone- drawing upon one's individual personality and experiences. It is a way to sincerely open up to the Lord as only you can, and allow Him to speak directly into that.
Two: It’s Exciting
Every time I lean into imaginative prayer, I am thrilled and amazed at how many new things I learn about Jesus and His disciples. As you read the Gospels and actively try to put yourself in them. Elements that may have seemed hidden begin revealing themselves. Sitting in prayer, I find myself smelling the flowers in the garden, or tasting the wine at Cana. Letting the Holy Spirit guide our imaginations never disappoints.
Three: It’s Simple
Notice, I didn’t say easy! What I love about imaginative prayer is that you don’t need to buy anything or take a class to grow in the craft. You simply practice. All you need is a Bible, a little silence, and a little time. I find it easiest to do in the morning, when my mind has a fresh slate. I make my cup of coffee, settle in, and open the Scriptures. Naturally, my thoughts are prone to drifting. When this happens, I try to gently guide them back to the exercise by reading the selected Scripture again, or repeating the word or phrase that stuck out to me.
Lent is a season of penance. It is a time where, as Catholics, we are called to remember our own death and acknowledge our never ending need for the great Mercy of Jesus. This Lent, give imaginative prayer a try! Whether this is a practice you’ve incorporated in your life for years, or it’s brand new to you, Lent is an excellent chance to hone in on it.
May the Spirit draw you ever closer to the Heart of Christ!
Meet Bridget Nohara
Bridget Nohara is an Ohio girl who moved to Ontario, Canada after marrying her policeman husband. She is a proud Franciscan University of Steubenville alum, loves low-key outdoor activities (no cliff jumping, please!), enriching podcasts, and cooking without a recipe.