Guest Writer: Kylee Logan
Imaginative Prayer
What is Imaginative Prayer?
One of the most impactful spiritual practices in my Christian life is imaginative prayer. If you’ve never heard of imaginative prayer, it’s exactly what it sounds like–talking to Jesus in your imagination! And not just talking to him; but also picturing yourself with him, communing with him, and giving space for him to respond. Imaginative prayer is also known as Immanuel prayer–God with us. Part of the Holy Spirit’s role is to reveal Jesus to us, and one of the places he can reveal Jesus is in our minds. Romans 12:2 says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
If this sounds a bit out there to you, or a bit “woo woo,” I completely understand. I’m by no means an expert, and it’s only been a spiritual practice of mine for the last few years, as it was introduced to me more recently. But hear me out.
Let’s start with a couple of truths:
God is omniscient, present everywhere all at once.
This means that our imagination is not a place where God cannot be, and therefore, he can be present in our imagination. Psalm 139:7b says, “Where can I flee from your presence?”
God created the human imagination and saw it was good. Adam was tasked with naming the animals in Genesis 2, which required imagination. This happened before the Fall in Genesis 3, so we know that imagination was good and God given. God is the ultimate Creator, and we were made in his image to also create with imagination. God desires to bless our imagination.
With this theological framework, it would make sense that God is present in our imagination–an avenue that he created–and that he would love to speak to us there as a place where he can intimately know us!
Psalm 139:1-10; 23-24 paints this picture beautifully:
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths,
you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Practicing Imaginative Prayer
Find a place that is quiet and free of distractions.
Opening Prayer
Begin by closing your eyes. Ask Jesus to silence all other voices other than his own, and for his voice to be the loudest. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time. Thank Jesus for speaking to you during this time of prayer, and expect him to really show up! Jesus loves when we ask, and asking for more of his presence and to hear his voice is a good thing to be asking for. So why would he say no?
Imagine a Safe Place
Next, imagine yourself in a place where you feel safe. This could be a real life memory where you felt closest to God, like your mom taking care of you when you were sick, or a moment where you were extra aware of God’s love for you. This could be your favorite vacation spot, out in nature, your grandma’s garden, or the chair where you read your Bible in the morning. If you can’t think of a real life memory or location, make one up! Imagine yourself on a perfect soft cloud, or in a beautiful green meadow. This is your safe place. Take note of every detail: any smells, the lighting, the temperature, etc.
Invite Jesus Into the Picture
Now, invite Jesus to join you. Picture what he looks like, where he is standing or sitting, and where he is in proximity to you. Invite him to move closer. Is he touching you? Look into his eyes. What does his face look like as he looks back at you?
Ask Jesus to speak
Ask Jesus questions. Here are some helpful questions, but feel free to come up with your own:
“What do you want me to know?”
“What do you want to say to me?”
“How do you feel about being with me?”
“How do you see me?”
“Who do you say I am?”
“Is there something about your love that I need to be reminded of?”
Imagine him immediately and directly answering you. Try to go with the first thing that comes to mind. If what he’s saying doesn’t directly contradict Scripture, assume it’s really Jesus speaking. Don’t overthink it!
Prayer, and learning to hear God’s voice, is like a muscle that needs exercising–just like our physical bodies! Prayer is, after all, a spiritual practice. If imaginative prayer feels awkward or unfamiliar at first, don’t give up. Some of my most impactful moments of healing with God, of experiencing his love, of discernment for a decision, and of simply knowing the voice of my Shepherd more have happened during a time of imaginative prayer.
My prayer is that you would find your imagination to be a deep well with God, from which you can drink, and that there you would encounter the living God whose presence changes everything.
*If you would like to learn more about this style of prayer, I recommend the book, Joyful Journey: Listening to Immanuel by E. James Wilder.
My name is Kylee Logan and I’m currently based out of Portland, Oregon. I grew up in Utah, and went to school briefly in Wyoming where I got to share a bunk bed with Brenna 10 years ago! Makes me feel so old. I worked at Bridgetown Church in Portland doing Communications for the last 4 years, and got to experience the joy of vocational ministry. I have recently stepped off the team to discern what’s next for my ministry. I love the Church, and I love getting to see people encounter God. I love prayer, 24-7 prayer rooms, spiritual formation, revival, the arts, and good food.
