This post is part of a series on approaches to developing your awareness of the Holy Spirit.

Summary

Choose a passage, pick a character in the story, and, as you’re walking through the chronology of the story, imagine what you would be sensing, feeling, and thinking.

Details

Choose a passage – Avoid the long passages of poetry, wisdom or prophecy and instead choose a story or event.  The more dramatic, action-packed, character-filled, and personal, the more they lend themselves to this approach.  Here’s a smattering of popular ones from the Christian Bible:

• Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal: 1 Kings 18:2, 21-41
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: Daniel 3
• Jesus calms the storm: Mark 4:35-41
• The anointing of Jesus: Matthew 26:6-13
• The wedding at Cana: John 2:1-12
• Jesus’ betrayal: Matthew 26:36-56
• The crucifixion of Jesus: Matthew 27:32-56
• Pentecost: Acts 2:1-47
• The throne room in heaven: Revelation 4

Pick a character – Ask God what character you should choose, and assume that what comes to mind is from Him. It’s common for people to “become” disciples, bystanders, or someone Jesus heals, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself thinking you should be Jesus Himself or a fly on His shoulder!

Walk through the story  – Take your time and go slowly.  Imagine the intensity of the sun, the road under your sandals, the chatter of the crowds, what your expectations might have been, and when you might have been happy, confused, dismayed, or in disagreement.  Immerse yourself in this experience.

Advantages, Disadvantages, and Modifications

Advantages

• In Approach 1.7, you become a character in the story. This makes things personal.
• Personally, I usually learn something about how I understand God, myself, myself in relation to God and the bible.

Disadvantages

• You might find it more difficult to use a passage describing something you’ve never experienced.

Modifications

• Instead of getting to know the passage really well, have someone read it to you.  Just tell them to go really slowly.
• It’s fun to do this with a group, encouraging everyone to pick whomever they want to be.  When you’re done, find out who everyone chose and what they observed.
• This isn’t really a modification, but it’s an additional note: While you’re doing this, you’ll find that your imagination fills in the blanks regarding the other characters as well – their movements and facial expressions. Again, maintain focus (always the first challenge) and ask, “Why is that character doing that/reacting that way?”