Imaginative Contemplation

The following is an instruction into a process called Imaginative Contemplation. Essentially, St Ignatius presents two ways of imagining. One being demonstrated in a meditation on the mystery of the Incarnation in the second week of the exercises, where he asks us to “enter into the vision of God.” This type of imagining helps us see things from God’s perspective and take on God’s qualities of love, compassion, and understanding.[1] The other method of imagining is to place ourselves fully within a story from the Gospels.[2] This involves one placing oneself in the Gospel scenes imaginatively. Really see people, hear their voices, share their experiences and respond in faith to the ways of God-with-us.[3]
So to begin this process read the text twice.
In the first reading be focused on the details so that you really get the flow of the narrative.  
In the second reading try to become immersed in the story. We become onlooker/participants and give full reign to our imagination.[4] It may help to imagine the smells, to look around you to see what else, who else is there but not stated, what other sounds are heard.[5]
When you have read the second time put the text away and allow those parts of the story that strike you come to life. Stay with your prayer as long as it holds your attention.
 What is being said? Are you involved in the conversations?[6] Listen to what God might be saying to you…
Have a conversation with God about this prayer experience.
Write in your journal which interior movement were of significance to you.
Pray a prayer of Gratitude.

Bibliography

Barry, William. Letting God Come Close: An Approach to the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2001

Dyckman, Katherine, Mary Garvin and Elizabeth Liebert. The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed: Uncovering Liberating Possibilities for Women. New York/Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press

Marburg, Marlene, Grace upon Grace: Savouring the Spiritual Exercises through the Arts. 2019, Melbourne, Australia: Morningstar Publishing

Nash Stephen, Spiritual Exercises Journal, 2015-2016

O’Brien K, The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life, Loyola Press, 2011

[1] “Second Week.” In The Spiritual Exercises: St. Ignatius of Loyola, edited Loyola Press: A Jesuit Ministry, 2016. http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/Commentary/SecondWeek. Paragraph 101
[2] Second Week, Paragraph 101
[3] Dyckman, Katherine, Mary Garvin and Elizabeth Liebert. The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed: Uncovering Liberating Possibilities for Women. New York/Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 2001, p.183
[4] Second Week, Paragraph 101
[5] O’Brien K, The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life, Loyola Press, 2011, p.141
[6] Marburg, Marlene, Grace upon Grace: Savouring the Spiritual Exercises through the Arts. 2019, Melbourne, Australia: Morningstar Publishing, p.64