Seeing the Scripture
“I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:16–19
Often, when I read and meditate on Scripture, I try to visualize the scene. When a passage involves people or places, it is fairly easy. I can see Jesus squatting down on one knee, opening wide His arms, and tilting back His head in laughter as He welcomes the children around Him.
I can imagine the tension in the room when Jesus arrives at Jairus’ home where a preteen girl has died. I imagine hearing the wailing of the mourners who have gathered outside and sense the crowd’s commotion. I see the grief on the faces of the girl’s parents that gives way to complete relief and utter amazement as Jesus takes the girl by the hand, speaks to her and restores her to life. And I giggle at the practical suggestion Jesus then gives — to give the girl something to eat!
When I read parts of Scripture that contain less obvious visual elements, I rely on the Spirit to increase my imagination to help me see and experience the verses. When reading the Ephesians passage noted above, I visualize the movement of the Spirit deep within me — affecting every part.
Imagine it for yourself. The Holy Spirit moves from the core of your inner being (where your spirit figuratively resides) to your heart (the center of your emotions) to your head (the site of your ability to think and reason). The purpose of imagining this movement? That you may know in every part of your being the breadth, length, height and depth of God’s love, mercy, and grace.[1]
Prayer for Today
Almighty God, I bow my knees before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.
According to the riches of your glory,
I pray that you will strengthen me in my inner being,
with power through your Spirit,
and that Christ will dwell in my heart through faith,
as I am rooted and grounded in love.
Grant me, O God, the power to comprehend,
with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth
of your love, mercy, and grace.
Grant that I may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be filled with all the fullness of God. Amen.
[1] Joy Hilley, “Daily Prayer: A Modern Guide to Ancient Practices” (Dunlavy + Gray, 2020), 29.
