the good way

Imaginative Engagement

Session 2 • Scripture • Activation


An ancient way of reading scripture is to actually enter into scripture using your imagination. In doing so, we picture ourselves in the setting of the scripture passage. We ask ourselves what it would’ve been like to be there. This kind of engagement works particularly well with the gospel narratives.

In the audio below you will be guided through a simple imaginative engagement of 1 Kings 19:11-13. You can try it yourself using the guide and one of the suggested scriptures.


Read your chosen passage slowly a number of times until you feel very familiar with it.

Sit comfortably in a chair or lie down and close your eyes.

Invite God to speak to you and guide you as you enter into the scene using your imagination.

  • What catches your attention in the scene?
  • What do you see, hear, or even smell?
  • How do you feel?
  • What questions might you ask?
  • Which character in the scene do you most identify with and why?

Contemplate whatever God is drawing your attention to and invite him to speak to you further about how this connects to your own life.

Share your thoughts and feelings with God in conversation.

You might want to spend a little time journaling what has stood out to you.

Close your time with a short prayer.

Suggested scripture

  • Mark 4: 35-41 Jesus calms the storm
  • John 5:1-8 The healing at the pool
  • Matthew 14:13-21 Feeding of 5,000
  • John 4: 4-26 The woman at the well
  • John 12: 1-9 Mary anoints Jesus
  • Mark 10: 46-52 Blind Bartimaeus
  • John 13: 1-17 Jesus washes his disciples feet


View other resources for this session