What is Ignatian Contemplation?
Ignatian contemplation, or imaginative prayer, is a unique form of prayer developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It invites us to enter a Gospel story imaginatively, experiencing it from within by visualizing the scene and interacting with Jesus and other figures. This prayerful practice aims to deepen our personal relationship with God by helping us experience the Scriptures in a way that resonates with our emotions, senses, and imagination.
Ignatian contemplation is a type of mental prayer in which we use our senses and imagination to place ourselves fully within a scene from Scripture, especially one involving Jesus. Unlike vocal or meditative prayers that involve specific words or focus on reflection, Ignatian contemplation encourages us to “see” the events as if we were there, actively participating. Through this, we grow closer to Jesus by “being” with Him in moments of His life, whether joyful, sorrowful, or miraculous.
St. Ignatius developed this prayer form as part of his Spiritual Exercises, a 30-day retreat program that leads participants to encounter God more deeply. In Ignatian contemplation, the focus is not only on understanding the events but also on connecting personally with Jesus, letting His story unfold uniquely in the heart and mind.
Steps for Imaginative Prayer
Here are some steps to help you enter into Ignatian contemplation:
- Choose a Scripture Passage
Select a passage, ideally from the Gospels, where you can vividly imagine the scene. Stories involving Jesus’ miracles, parables, or interactions with people are often effective. - Prepare and Invite God’s Presence
Begin with a short prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your imagination. Express a desire to know and love Jesus more deeply through this experience. - Set the Scene with Your Imagination
Picture the location of the passage: What do you see, hear, smell, and feel? Imagine the weather, sounds, people, and details to bring the scene to life. - Enter the Scene as a Participant or Observer
Place yourself in the scene, either as a participant or a close observer. Observe Jesus—His expressions, movements, and interactions. Engage with the people in the scene and notice how you feel in Jesus’ presence. - Engage in Dialogue with Jesus or Others
Speak to Jesus and listen to His response. Feel free to ask questions, express emotions, or seek guidance as you witness the events unfold. Let the dialogue flow naturally as you interact with Him. - Reflect on the Experience
After you finish, reflect on what you experienced and how it touched you. Consider journaling or discussing the experience with a spiritual director. What did you feel, and what insights or emotions arose?
Ignatian contemplation invites you to bring your whole self—mind, heart, and soul—into the prayer experience, allowing you to connect intimately with Jesus.
Scripture-Based Contemplations
Certain Gospel passages are particularly suited for Ignatian contemplation, as they provide rich, sensory imagery and depict Jesus’ interactions with others. Here are a few examples:
- The Healing of the Blind Man (Mark 10:46-52)
Picture the bustling crowd and the voice of the blind man calling out. Imagine Jesus’ gentle interaction and the change in the man’s life. - The Calming of the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
Imagine the turbulent sea, the fear of the disciples, and Jesus’ calm command over the waters. Consider your reaction as you witness this power. - The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
Visualize the well, the heat of the day, and the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Enter into her astonishment and her growing understanding of who Jesus is.
Audio and Video Guides
Many Ignatian spirituality resources offer guided meditations to help people experience Ignatian contemplation. These guides are beneficial, particularly if you’re new to this form of prayer or find it challenging to enter the scenes on your own. Here are some sources where you can find audio and video guides:
- Jesuit Prayer App: Offers daily reflections and guided contemplations that can support this prayer practice. You can download the app from your app store.
- Loyola Press: Provides a variety of audio reflections and guided meditations, including series that take you through specific Gospel stories in the Ignatian style.
- YouTube Channels: Channels like Jesuit Institute and IgnatianSpirituality have several videos that guide viewers through imaginative prayer, often focusing on specific scenes from the Gospels.
Ignatian contemplation is a unique way to deepen your relationship with Jesus by allowing you to “be with” Him in His life events. It helps bridge the gap between Scripture and personal experience, fostering spiritual growth and emotional connection with God. Through imagination, Scripture comes alive, and prayer becomes a moment of encounter that leaves a lasting impact on the heart and soul.