Praying with Scripture Part 2
- John Scoble
- Aug 2, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 26
John Scoble
Introduction
In the last episode, we examined three different ways of interacting with Scripture:
Rules for reading Scripture for accurate meaning
Reading Scripture with Commentary
Lectio Divina
In this episode, we will explore another way, namely Imaginative prayer in the Ignatian tradition
Humans use imagination for a variety of reasons: to acquire experience and knowledge about the world, to better understand another person's perspective, to solve problems, to create and interact with artistic works, and more. Psychology suggests that some of the benefits of using one’s imagination include squashing fears, boosting intelligence, developing empathy and transforming dreams into reality. This puts aside our rational, logical, left side of our brain and emphasises the visual, emotional, artistic right side of our brain. Thus, imaginative prayer provides a different approach to Scripture than the left-brained Lectio Divina.
Once again, we will briefly outline the practice and will then provide a recommended scriptural passage to help you understand and/or use each practice.
Imaginative Prayer in the Ignation Tradition
We will leave it to Jesuit priest, Fr Kevin O’Brien, to explain this practice in this excerpt from his book The Ignation Adventure.
“Ignatius was convinced that God can speak to us as surely through our imagination as through our thoughts and memories. In the Ignatian tradition, praying with the imagination is called contemplation. In the Exercises, contemplation is a very active way of praying that engages the mind and heart and stirs up thoughts and emotions. (Note that in other spiritual traditions, contemplation has quite a different meaning: it refers to a way of praying that frees the mind of all thoughts and images.)
Ignation contemplation is suited especially for the Gospels.
In the Second Week of the Exercises, we accompany Jesus through his life by imagining scenes from the Gospel stories. Let the events of Jesus’ life be present to you right now. Visualize the event as if you were making a movie. Pay attention to the details: sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings of the event. Lose yourself in the story; don’t worry if your imagination is running too wild. At some point, place yourself in the scene.
Contemplating a Gospel scene is not simply remembering it or going back in time.
Through the act of contemplation, the Holy Spirit makes present a mystery of Jesus’ life in a way that is meaningful for you now. Use your imagination to dig deeper into the story so that God may communicate with you in a personal, evocative way.
We might initially worry about going beyond the text of the Gospel.
If you have offered your time of prayer to God, then begin by trusting that God is communicating with you. If you wonder if your imagination is going “too far,” then do some discernment with how you are praying. Where did your imagining lead you: Closer to God or farther away? Is your imagining bringing you consolation or desolation?
Some people find imaginative prayer difficult.
They may not be able to picture the scene easily, yet they may have some intuition or gut reaction to the story. Or they may hear or feel the story more than visualize it. In a spirit of generosity, pray as you are able; don’t try to force it. Rest assured that God will speak to you, whether through your memory, understanding, intellect, emotions, or imagination.”
Let me give you an example of imaginative prayer from personal experience.
Some years ago, I conducted a self-directed retreat at the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre at Ormiston in Brisbane. During the retreat, I was sitting on a stone block at the bottom of the garden staring at the sculpture of our Lady, beside which were two water jugs. The scene represented the wedding feast at Cana. The inscription from Jn 2:5 read “do whatever he tells you”. I decided to place myself within the scene of the wedding feast and to take on the role of one of the servants instructed by Jesus to fill empty wine jars with water. As I imagined myself into the smells and sounds of this joyous occasion, I moved through various emotions from scepticism and disbelief to amazement and wonder. I drew from the scene the lesson that if I did what Jesus was calling me to do in my own life, there was nothing that he could not achieve through me, even miraculous outcomes. I also concluded that it was important for me to discern what I was being called to do with my skills and experience. It was a significant moment in my spiritual journey and a testament to the power of ignation imagination.
In 1992, renowned Dutch Catholic priest and author, Henri Nouwen, wrote The Return of the Prodigal Son, after sitting for days staring at Rembrandt’s painting of this well-known parable. His book is an extraordinary example of imaginative prayer. For this reason, we suggest that you use this text Lk 15:11-32 and progressively imagine yourself in each role as the Prodigal Son, the Older Brother and the Father. It may be helpful to use three separate sessions to do this. Which of the three characters do you most identify with?
Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’”
So he set off and went to his father.
But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe - the best one - and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.
Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”’
Questions for Discussion
Have you used imaginative prayer as described above? What has been your experience?
What do you think are the advantages of using imaginative prayer?
As you think about the various characters throughout Scripture, which of them do you most closely identified with?
FAQs on Praying with Scripture (Part 2)
What does “praying with Scripture” really mean?
Praying with Scripture means more than simply reading a passage or talking to God about it. It is the practice of entering into dialogue with the text itself so that God’s Word becomes your prayer. Instead of only studying the meaning, you allow verses to shape your words, emotions, and responses in the moment. This approach is often practiced through Lectio Divina, an ancient rhythm where the Bible is not just a book of study but a meeting place with the divine. The process turns reading into listening, and listening into prayer.
Source: Upper Room – Lectio Divina: Praying the Scriptures
Why should I pray Scripture instead of just my own words?
Praying Scripture provides language that is inspired, tested, and rooted in centuries of spiritual practice. It helps you pray beyond the limits of your own imagination or need in the moment, keeping prayer aligned with God’s will. For many people, using Scripture also gives structure when words feel dry or repetitive. It can protect prayer from becoming only self-focused, broadening it to reflect divine priorities such as justice, mercy, and love. Instead of replacing your own voice, it refines and strengthens it.
Source: Boundless – How to Pray Specific Scriptures
How do I actually pray Scripture in practice?
The simplest starting point is to choose a short passage and spend time with it slowly. The classic pattern of Lectio Divina invites you to move through four stages: reading the text with care, reflecting on a word or phrase that stands out, responding to God in prayer, and finally resting in silence. This process does not require deep theological training. It is about presence and openness rather than analysis. Over time, the repetition of this rhythm makes prayer with Scripture feel natural and deeply personal.
Source: USCCB – Lectio Divina Guide
What are the main benefits of praying with Scripture?
Praying with Scripture anchors prayer in words that carry divine authority and spiritual depth. It offers clarity when your own words are uncertain. It keeps prayers focused on God’s promises rather than personal anxieties. The practice also cultivates attentiveness, pulling you away from distractions and into dialogue with the Spirit. Many find that it nurtures intimacy, allowing Scripture to shift from being information on a page to a living voice speaking directly to them. In times of struggle, it can provide comfort, and in moments of joy, it can give expression to gratitude.
Source: Curate Ministries – The Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina
Can everyone do this or is it only for mystics and monks?
This way of praying is available to everyone, not only those in monasteries or with advanced theological knowledge. While it was preserved and practiced in monastic traditions, its simplicity means that anyone with an open heart can engage in it. The only real requirement is willingness to slow down, listen, and let Scripture speak into your life. Whether you are reading at a kitchen table, in a chapel, or on a quiet walk, praying with Scripture is meant to connect the ordinary rhythms of life with the presence of God.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
Resources (for further consideration)
Loyola Press
CAC meditation 17 July 2021
Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son
Elaine Wainwright article on the parable
August 2022
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