Imaginative Contemplation

Imaginative contemplation is a way of praying that involves engaging with your senses and imagination to enter a Biblical scene (usually from the Gospels) allowing for a deeper encounter with Jesus. This practice encourages you to visualise yourself in the story or scene, experiencing the emotions and sensations of the moment, and helps to foster a more profound connection with God. The invitation is to open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s gentle work and allow your personal feelings and memories to enrich the prayer experience.

You are invited to the potter’s house as described in Jeremiah 18:1-4.

It’s a very short passage, and if this practice is new to you, you might like to check out the ‘prayasyougo’ app for a more extensive library of audio guided imaginative contemplation, where all the stories are taken from the Gospels. Many Christians have found treasures and gifts from God when praying with their imagination.

At the Potter’s House

Read Jeremiah 18:1-4

‘This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord. Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message. So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from clay was marred by in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.’

Find a comfortable position...

Read the passage several times... out loud if you are able.

Allow yourself to wonder about Jeremiah receiving this word from God... What is Jeremiah doing when the word of the Lord comes to him? Is he inside or outside? What is the day like? Is it morning or evening? Reach out your hand... what do you touch? A clay wall or the bark of a tree? What does it feel like?

Imagine you are with Jeremiah when God gives him this instruction... What does God’s voice sound like? How does it make you feel to hear it? What is Jeremiah’s response to God? Notice his facial expression? Posture of his body? Does he say anything? Is there a willingness to Jeremiah’s obedience or a reluctance? What’s your own response?

As Jeremiah prepares to leave does he take anything with him? Is he excited? Do you sense anticipation? What do you notice about the demeanour of this servant of the Lord? What’s the journey to the potter’s house like? Is Jeremiah silent or does he speak? Does he seem determined and intent in his mission, or indifferent? Anxious? What about you? What are you feeling as you walk with Jeremiah?

When you arrive at the potter’s house with Jeremiah, what does it look like? What can you smell? As you enter the house what is your eye your eye instantly drawn to? The potter or the clay? Is the potter alone? What does he look like? Imagine his face, his hands, his work apron... Are his feet bear or is he wearing shoes? Does Jeremiah speak with the potter? What do they say to each other? As you observe the potter at his wheel, what do you see? As he shapes the clay, what form does it begin to take?

Notice the potter’s facial expression... does he appear focused, peaceful or something else? Is he smiling or frowning? How does he seem to handle the clay? With tenderness or roughness? Or something else?

Is he forming the pot into something large or small? Round or tall? Is it something you recognise or something unfamiliar? What tools is he using? How much clay is discarded on the floor at the potter’s feet? What does it look like? How do you feel as you notice it?

As the pot becomes marred in the potter’s hands, what’s his response? Is he surprised, upset, disappointed? Does he stop the wheel or immediately begin to begin to re-work the clay? Does he say anything? As you observe the potter, what form does the clay take this time? How does the potter seem to handle the clay this time?

As the potter completes this second pot, what do you notice about the potter? As the wheel slows and he admires his work, what emotions do you sense in him? Satisfaction? Pride? Love? Or something else...

As you observe the whole scene, what are you drawn most to? The potter? The pot itself? Jeremiah? Where do you see yourself in this scene? Is there anything the Holy Spirit is drawing you attention to? Notice this. ‘Be with’ God in this holy moment Talk to God about your experience…

If God has shown you something specific or helpful, pray a prayer of gratitude. If you are left with questions resist seeking answers and instead sit with them and let them do their deep work.

Thank God for this time with him, and return to the day...