November Prayer Practice: Prayers of Imagination

November 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

Prayer is our communication with God, the primary way we establish a relationship with God. In any relationship, there are different approaches and phases to monitoring the relationship. In some phases, it is appropriate to assess where things have gone well or faltered. The examen prayers that we practiced earlier in the year undertake this effort. In some phases, just being in the moment is important, pouring out one’s feelings and needs. The prayers of journaling and intercession have offered such expressions. At other times, there is the need to focus on desires and visions for the future. It is on this phase that we will focus this month.

In 50 Ways to Pray, Teresa Blythe discusses the power of prayers visualizing desire. She says these prayers are about "cultivating patience and trust in God. The psalmist says, 'Take delight in the LORD/and he will give you the desires of your heart' (Psalm 37:4). Our first task is to delight in God, and as we come into alignment with God's desires, we can trust that God fulfills our own deepest desires." Furthermore, she adds, "Rather than seeking shallow human desires such as the accumulation of material wealth or power over people, our task is to find those desires that produce the fruit of the Spirit."

In the month of November, we will focus on imagining and cultivating our soul's desire for God that results in the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God
Psalm 42:1-2

Lord, make us what you want us to be.