[Bonus] Imaginative Prayer: Jesus, Have Mercy

In today's bonus episode, where we try on some spiritual practices together, I would like to read you a chapter from my Imagine devotional, which incorporates imaginative prayer in the writing. Imaginative prayer, as we talked about in episode 47, is about really trying to enter into the story and watch it unfold in front of you. Or, perhaps, you try to enter in as one of the characters in the story. It's much like reading a fiction book and experiencing what the main character is experiencing. We just sort of "take it on" ourselves. Some people struggle with using their imaginations to read Scripture. After all, we've been taught to study it, to use our minds and reasons. However, I want to invite you to consider it differently. If we offer our imaginations to God, He can empower us to engage with His Word on an entirely different level. All I ask is that you give it an honest try. And if you like it, you can grab the entire devotional on the website at lovedoesthat.org/shop. The devotional is written about blind Bartimaeus, from Mark 10:46-52. I'll read through the passage first, then read through the devotional. Kari   UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES: >> Soul Care Group: Monthly email with soul care practices http://lovedoesthat.org/soulcaregroup >> 3 Ways to Encounter God on the Pages of Your Journal Workshop: Tuesday, January 18th at 11:00am Eastern http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Imagine Devotional Episode 47: 10 Ways to Encounter God in His Word     WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD GOES SILENT? As an introvert, silence is your strength. You cherish quiet moments. Time alone replenishes your soul like nothing else can. But what happens when God goes silent? When you raise your questions of grief and hurt and doubt—and He doesn't answer? Dear one, what if your very quietness has positioned you to experience the presence of God in a totally new way? What if in these seasons of silence, God is actually speaking to you louder than He has ever spoken to you before? If you ready to press into God in this season of silence, I invite you to fill out the form at lovedoesthat.org/apply. I use a modern-day letter writing style of spiritual direction perfect for Christian women drawn to quiet spaces and written words. Throughout our correspondence, I will compassionately listen to your story, gently ask questions that point you to God, and help you discover personal spiritual practices that invite you to stay close to Him. Start now at lovedoesthat.org/apply. https://lovedoesthat.org/apply