Discover a way to refresh and renew your soul. Become a child again with Jesus and leave yourself in His arms.
Introduction
St. Ignatius taught different methods of praying with the scriptures using our intellect, memory, and will. He considered all of our faculties an integrative approach of experiencing the reality of God's presence in His in word.
https://www.karenshieldswright.com/post/praying-with-scriptures-introduction
Please study the link on Ignatian Ways of Praying with Scripture here then move through this Lectio Divina using all of your faculties (especially imagination).
Set aside an hour to do this after you have read the information in the link above, to have an idea about this type of praying called ‘mental’ or ‘interior’ or ‘imaginative’ prayer. We can talk about what you experienced in moving through doing this. Praying with a scripture 3 times at one sitting moves it from the head, to heart to the soul.
Also you can do this several times over a week, so make sure you write down notes either during or after or both to share.
Always a blessing to be with you in Christ.
Dr. Karen
Print published by Currier & Ives
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Bring the Little Children to Me: Imaginative Prayer
1. 1st Reading of the Scripture
“Now the crowds were bringing children and even infants to him that he might touch and lay his hands on them and pray for them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked the people.
But Jesus called the people to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
And he took them in his arms, laying his hands upon them and blessed them.”
Now compose the scene and apply your senses using your imagination.
Questions
· Where did this take place? In a garden, in a city, on a hill?
· What was the time of the day?
· What was the weather like?
· How many people were there?
· What were the sounds of all the babies, children, and families?
· Where was Jesus sitting?
· Where was his disciples standing, sitting?
· Put yourself in the scene? Where are you? What clothes did you have on?
· Was anyone near you, or touching you?
· What did the weather feel like on you – hot, warm?
· Were you thirsty, hunger?
Sit with the scene, play it over in your head several times, read it again until you have a ‘movie’ like image, even write up something or drawn what it may look like.
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Read in a prayerful way the scripture 2nd time with these reflection questions in mind.
· What do you think the disciples were thinking when they wanted to push back and rebuke the crowd?
“Now the crowds were bringing children and even infants to him that he might touch and lay his hands on them and pray for them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked the people.
But Jesus called the people to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
And he took them in his arms, laying his hands upon them and blessed them.”
Reflection Questions after the 2nd reading
· How did Jesus feel when his disciples rebuke the people? Sad, embarrassed, annoyed?
· How did Jesus feel when He held the babies and put the children on his lap?
You can go back and reread it again if you like to have a sense to be able to answer the questions. Write the answers down.
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Read in a prayerful way the scripture 3rd time with these considerations
· You are child, old enough to be out on your own about age 8-12
· Where does Jesus want you to be standing or sitting?
· Imagine yourself being asked by Jesus to come to Him.
· Imagine Jesus taking you into His arms and putting His hand on you head blessings you.
“Now the crowds were bringing children and even infants to him that he might touch and lay his hands on them and pray for them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked the people.
But Jesus called the people to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
And he took them in his arms, laying his hands upon them and blessed them.”
You can go back and reread it again if you like to have a sense to be able to answer the questions. Write the answers down.
Reflection Questions
· What was this like for you?
· Describe your thoughts, feelings, emotions?
Summary Questions for this Mini Retreat
· What do you think or sense God the Father or God the Son, Jesus is trying to share with you?
· What do you want to share with God the Father or God the Son, Jesus about this time of prayer?