Wednesday, February 27: Imaging Intercession

Begin your prayer time by lighting a candle or by ringing the opening bell in the right hand column at the website here. Allow the ringing of the bell to draw you into sacred space with God. Take a few deep breaths, breathing in God's love and presence, breathing out any distractions, plans or worries.

Lord, Jesus Christ, teach me to pray.

Prepare yourself for the reading of the scripture passage by quieting yourself and  asking God to speak to you in this passage.  Read the passage slowly with both the mind and the heart, at least two times.

A Reading from the Gospel according to John [5:1-9]

After the second sign in Cana there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes.  In these lay many invalids --blind, lame, and paralyzed.  One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him,  “Do you want to be made well?”  The sick man answered him,  “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up;  and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.”  Jesus said to him,  “Stand up, take your mat and walk.”  At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.  

What do you notice in this story?  I notice two things.  First, the man needed help and support in order to get to healing and wholeness.  Secondly, Jesus was able to visualize the man restored to complete health.

Generally, when we are asked to pray for people who need healing, we often feel limited.  We are not sure exactly what to ask for.  What is it that the person really needs?   Sometimes it is helpful to pray without words so that we align our prayers with the movement of the Spirit in the person’s life.  A prayer without words still allows us to connect with the one for whom we are praying and to offer them our care and love.  

Here is a prayer taken from Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson.

Imaging Intercession

Consider using your imagination rather than words as a primary way of prayer.  Here is a simple way to pray using imaging as a vehicle for “willing God’s will”.  

Become aware of God’s presence, imaging it as light and warmth.  Allow it to fill your consciousness.  

Now bring to your mind someone who is on your heart and needs your care and support.  This can even be someone who you hardly know at all.  

Lift this person into God’s light.  Visualize God’s love bathing the person, and gently penetrating defenses, dissolving pain, cleansing wounds.  Use any images that seem appropriate:  dark becoming light, ice melting, confusion ordered.  See the person in a state of wholeness.

Ask God that the person’s healing and wholeness be fully realized according to God’s design for this person.  Thank God for whatever gift of healing is given.  Release the person into God’s care until you pray again.  

Make some notes in your journal about who you prayed for and how this form of prayer affected you.  How did it feel to be released from finding the right words?  

Loving God, As I move through this day, help me to share the light of your love with all those I meet. Amen.