Getting to Know Jesus Through Mental Prayer

Is it possible?

Yes.

How?

Begin by reading Sacred Scripture.

Choose a passage in your Bible. Read the passage, slowly, once, twice, or as many times as you need to read the passage to see it in your mind.

Once you begin to see the passage in your mind, and this might only take one reading.  I usually read the passage from Sacred Scripture twice, but everyone is different.

Keep a notebook or journal handy.

Be prepared to write down thoughts that will quickly fill your mind.

Do you have questions?

Jot them down in your journal and ask God to help you find the answers you seek.

Let's use this passage where Jesus walks on the water.

Remember, read it slowly and thoughtfully.  Feel free to write down your thoughts, reactions and question as you ponder the passage.

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, 

“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Matthew14:  22-23


What is the weather like when Jesus sends the Apostles off in the boat?  Is the sea calm?  Do you feel a breeze coming off the water?  Does the water smell of fish?  Are there other boats in the area?

What do you see when you look at the Apostles?  Are they puzzled?  Are the wondering how Jesus will get to the other side of the water?  As they pull away, do they see Jesus walking up the mountain and know that He is going to pray?

How did Jesus know that the boat was being battered by a storm, or did He know?  What were the Apostles thinking as they tried to survive the storm in their boat?  Were they afraid that they would die in the storm?  Did they suspect that Jesus was going to walk on the water and rescue them?

Why did the Apostles think that Jesus was a ghost?  Why were they afraid of Him being a ghost?

Why did Peter want proof that the person walking on the water was Jesus?  Why did he insist that Jesus give Him proof?  What frightened Peter when he walked toward Jesus?  What do you think Jesus was thinking as he saw Peter step out on to the water?  Do you think Jesus knew what Peter would do?  Why did Jesus reprimand all the apostles?  Why was it important for Jesus to correct His followers?  What convinced the apostles to worship Jesus?  How do you think Jesus felt when they finally believed and worshiped Him?

Now, focus only on Jesus.  Remember that Jesus was both true God and true Man.  As God, would Jesus have known what was going to happen on the boat that night?  Did Jesus, as God, plan this storm to challenge the faith of His Apostles?  Does Jesus challenge our faith?  Does Jesus feel sad that His apostles have so little faith?  When He walks on the water, does Jesus feel the water on His feet and on His face?

Think about Jesus.  Put yourself on the boat.  Is Jesus calling you to walk on the water?  Are you afraid?  Are you wondering if the person you see is Jesus?  How do you feel when you step out of the boat, or do you?  Do you choose to stay in the boat?  Do you feel safer in the boat than on the water?
Why do you feel the way you feel?  Do you trust that no matter what your decision is, that you will be safe?  

Hear Jesus say your name.  What does He want you to do?  Will you do it?  Are you afraid?  Do you step out in trust or fear?

Use these questions as a start for you.  Think about Jesus.  Welcome Him into your heart.  Do this daily.  You will learn more about Him and the way He loves YOU!  Don't wait.  Get started now.
He's waiting for you.