World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 26

3. Take a moment to read the entire passage



As the scene progresses, pay attention

(and what comes before or after this incident)

to the person of Jesus. Where is Jesus?

to get a full sense of the story.

What does he say or do? Does he talk
with you? How do you respond?

NOTE TO LEADER: If the entire group is


reflecting on the same story or passage, you might want

your own and allow yourself to enter

to have someone read it aloud.

fully into the story. Is there anything
that God wants me to see or

4. Read the story again, very slowly, silently to

hear? What does God want to tell me?

yourself. Consider the following as you read:




In your mind, begin to imagine yourself

If necessary, continue to read through
the story multiple times and imagine

in the scene or situation. Compose the

yourself interacting within the setting

place in your mind. Use your senses to

and especially with all the people.

imagine everything around you.


Take your time to really make the scene

Are there any distinct sights, sounds,

5. Don’t worry if your imagination is not

smells, feelings that arise? What does

historically accurate. Allow your imagination to

the air feel like – cool, warm, dry? Are

pick up on subtle details that may not be

there any distinct smells? What is the

written down. The point of this prayer exercise

mood – joyful, tense, confusing?

to make room for Jesus to encounter you, to let
him reveal himself to you and show you part of



Where are you standing or sitting in the

our own stories in relationship to him.

scene? What do you see? Is there
anyone else with you? Do you talk with

6. When you are finished, give thanks to the

others? What do you say to or hear

Lord for all that has happened during this time

from others? Use your imagination and

of prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit for any direction

enter into dialogue with them.

of how you are called to respond. Consider
making a resolution for the future.

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