Ignatian meditation of Scripture is a contemplative seeing of the inner images that arise while reading or listening to a biblical text. Such images often touch more deeply than a purely intellectual engagement with the text. At times, God opens — as if “through the back door” — access to a personal life theme, beyond theological preconceptions. Here you will find a selection of four guided Scripture meditations to listen to (in German).

For a time of meditation, allow about 20 minutes in a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and undisturbed. Take an upright posture that helps you remain awake and attentive.

You will also find a written instruction here that you can use with any Scripture passage of your choosing.

Particularly suitable are short scenes from the New Testament in which Jesus encounters people.

Arriving Through Body Awareness. Body awareness helps us arrive. It calms us, brings us into the present moment, and sensitizes us to our inner experience:
• I sit upright — sensing the surface of the chair, my thighs, the places where my feet touch the ground..
• I feel my weight.
• “I let myself go, into your hands, God, who carries me.“
• I sense my back — all the way up into my neck.
• The crown of my head is oriented upward.
• I feel my arms and hands.
• I rest in the movement of my breath. As the breath comes and goes, so it may be. I feel the movement in my chest and abdomen.
• I notice my inner mood. Without judgment — as I am now, I am allowed to be. I do not have to achieve anything.
• “I am sitting in your presence, God, in your light.”

Steps of Meditation of Scripture
• I read the biblical text slowly.
• As I read, I imagine the action and the individual scenes vividly and in detail. I may place myself into the scene as an observer or as a participant.
• I follow the images attentively. I notice what touches or attracts me most. There I rest my attention. I sense and savor the moment.
• When a scene feels inwardly “complete,” I move on to the next one.

Reflection
After the contemplation, I take a few minutes to let what I have experienced resonate and to note my impressions: What touched me most? What became important to me?
To conclude, I speak a prayer — perhaps gratitude, a request, or the entrusting of an open question, a concern, or a longing into God’s care.