An Invitation to Ignatian Imaginative Prayer

reflection by Ashley Brooks

The Ignatian tradition offers us many types of prayer practices, including the gift of imaginative prayer. This contemplative prayer practice invites us to move deeper into our relationship with God using our creativity alongside scripture. Rooted in the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, imaginative prayer becomes an opening of the heart and mind to encounter Christ not as a distant idea, but as a living companion on the journey.

Many of us approach prayer through words with petitions, confessions, or gratitude lists. These are beautiful and necessary forms of dialogue with God. Yet God also speaks to us in the language of imagination and presence—in the felt sense of being seen, held, and loved. Imaginative prayer can help us move our relationship with God from our head to our heart, not just knowing about God, but living in communion with God. 

What Is Ignatian Imaginative Prayer?

Imaginative prayer practices typically center around a passage from one of the Gospels. You won’t be studying your passage, nor will you be simply reading it. Unlike Lectio Divina, you won’t even be focusing on specific words. Instead, you’ll be invited to enter fully into the passage, becoming part of the Gospel story itself. 

When you enter into imaginative prayer, try not to get stuck on historical details, like wondering what exactly Jesus looked like or wore. Think of this prayer as a sacred daydream for you to get lost in. You’ll be invited to use your five senses to explore your Gospel passage in ways that bring it to life. 

Some people worry that they aren’t good at this type of imaginative prayer, and some people’s brains are wired so that forming pictures in their mind is difficult. Maybe your mind comes up blank or you have trouble envisioning the scene. Have patience with yourself! You’re building up the muscles for this type of prayer every time you approach the practice. Stay open to what the Holy Spirit wants to show you through this practice. 

How to Practice Ignatian Imaginative Prayer

As with all contemplative prayer practices, begin in a comfortable space free of distractions. Settle yourself into silence, and take a few deep breaths as you clear your mind and invite the Holy Spirit to be present with you. 

1. Choose a short Gospel passage. If it’s your first time exploring imaginative prayer, choose something you are familiar with. If you aren’t sure where to start, one suggestion could be the baptism of Jesus (Matt 3:13–17). 

2. Read the passage slowly, or find an online audio version of the passage. Let the words sink in. 

3. Read or listen to the passage again, this time placing yourself in the scene. Look around you as you enter into the scene. Which perspective do you take—are you a bystander, a Gospel character, or even Jesus himself? Who else is there? What environment are you in? 

4. Invite your five senses into your imagining. What textures do you feel? Does it sound quiet or busy? Is there a breeze, or water spraying onto your face? Envision the scene as fully as you can, as though you are really in that time and place. You can also notice any feelings coming up in your body, such as the weight of tension or the warmth of relief and peace. 

5. Notice what draws your attention. Perhaps it’s the noise of a crowd or an expression on Jesus’s face. Stay with what you’ve noticed, even if it means that your imagining isn’t following the Gospel exactly as it’s written. 

6. Respond from your heart. Notice any emotions or questions that this experience has brought forward in you. Did anything about your response surprise you? Offer it all honestly to God. 

7. Savor the graces you received from this experience. Thank God for entering into this prayer with you, and notice if there seems to be an invitation that’s arising from your prayer. 

Try walking through imaginative prayer a few times over the next week or two. Notice the ways God is meeting you in this creative exercise.

Add Creativity to Your Spiritual Journey

Ignatian imaginative prayer is just one way to explore your spirituality through creativity. God as Creator works with our own creative abilities to walk with us along our unique journeys. Our upcoming Groundings lecture features Rev. Cathy Kolwey, who will speak about using creativity to process grief. Click here to learn more and register. All are welcome!

Ashley Brooks is a writer and editor with a heart for seeking the sacred in ordinary days. She will graduate with a spiritual direction certificate and a master's degree in Christian Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago in Spring 2026. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and their four children.