“When we encounter Jesus through the holy imagination in the Gospels, we view His character up close and we can’t help but become captivated. . . . We watch His compassion and begin to believe that compassion is available for us.”- Summer Joy Gross
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:2 (Berean Study Bible)
In Chapter 18 (“Ignatius Imaginative Prayer: Behold Him”) of The Emmanuel Promise, Summer Joy Gross talks about Ignatius Imaginative Prayer. Also referred to as Ignatius Contemplation. This spiritual practice engages the senses through the holy imagination.
Hence, this practice enables us to experience a gospel story like a movie. Above all, allow the gospel story movie to unfold slowly. Because that allows time for us to encounter the living Christ.
Therefore, Summer advises, ask the Holy Spirit to anoint your imagination, heighten your senses, and guide this time of prayer. Next, close your eyes. Let yourself connect your senses to the details of the story. Finally, recognize places in the story where you experienced a heightened emotional connection with Jesus.
Writing in The Hiding Place, Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom expressed surprise at how God reaches out to us through the pages of His Word. Corrie wrote:
“Sometimes I would slip the Bible from its little sack with hands that shook, so mysterious it had become to me. It was new; it had just been written. I marveled sometimes that the ink was dry.”
In conclusion, Summer presents the argument of Eastern Orthodox theologian Kallistos Ware. Ware counsels not to dismiss the use of mental or physical images in prayer and worship. Because to dismiss implies that Christ’s body, and thus His humanity, is in some way unreal. As a result, we can pray with images created by the Holy Spirit.
Today’s question: Have you ever used holy imagination to encounter Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: Imagination released from prison”
