Self Care Saturday 07/05/25
For years, I could quote all the verses.
John 3:16? I knew it by heart.
I could tell you God loves us.
But quietly, a part of me longed for something deeper.
I knew about His love in my mind…
But I hadn’t really experienced it in my heart.
It stayed conceptual. Intellectual. Cognitive.
I knew about the ocean of His love.
But I hadn’t waded into the water.
That changed when I was introduced to imaginative prayer, a spiritual practice I learned while spending a year in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
At first, it felt awkward. This wasn’t the kind of prayer I grew up with.
I wasn’t sure if I was “doing it right.”
But one day, I entered the story of the Prodigal Son through my imagination. And for the first time, I didn’t just know that God loved me. I felt it.
I’d love to walk you through the same practice.
No pressure. No right or wrong way.
Just a quiet invitation to come as you are and let the Father love you as you are.
Be the Prodigal Son: Imaginative Prayer Practice
Find a quiet space.
Take a few deep breaths.
Invite the Holy Spirit to be with you.
Whisper this prayer to the Holy Spirit: “God, I want to receive Your love. Show me who You are.” Now, gently close your eyes and let the story unfold in your imagination.
1. The Departure
Picture yourself as the prodigal.
What season of your life comes to mind?
When did you drift away from God—not necessarily in rebellion, but maybe in busyness, doubt, burnout, or deep grief?
Where were you?
What did it feel like?
Let yourself step into that moment.
No shame. Just honesty.
You thought you’d find freedom.
But instead, you feel far from home.
2. The Far Country
Now, you’re in that “far country.”
You’re tired.
Maybe you feel numb.
Maybe you’re carrying shame or regret.
Picture yourself sitting in your lowest moment.
What surrounds you? Let the ache rise.
This is your turning point.
Hear yourself say, just like the son in the story:
“I want to go back to my Father. Even if I’m only a servant, it’s better than this.”
3. The Long Road Home
It’s a long way back.
You don’t know what you’ll find when you arrive.
You expect silence. Maybe distance. Maybe rejection.
You rehearse your apology:
“Father, I’ve sinned. I’m not worthy. I’ll work it off.”
You keep walking.
Heart pounding.
Head down.
4. But Then The Unexpected
Look up. Someone is running toward you. It’s your Father.
Not angry.
Not guarded.
He’s joyful.
He sees you from far off, and He doesn’t wait.
He runs.
Tears in His eyes. Dust on His feet. Arms wide open.
He reaches you.
Wraps you in an embrace.
Holds you like He’s never letting go.
Let yourself stay in that hug. Feel it melting the guilt, the hardness, the years of distance and separatioin.
5. The Restoration
Before you can speak your apology, He’s already calling for:
A robe — to cover your shame.
A ring — to restore your place in the family.
Sandals — because you’re not a servant, you’re His child.
You didn’t earn this.
You don’t have to.
You’re home.
Let that word settle in you.
Home.
Gentle Reflection
When you feel ready, open your eyes. Take a moment.
Write down what stood out to you—what you saw, felt, heard, or sensed.
If it helps, finish this sentence:
“If I believed I was fully loved by God today, I would…”
You don’t have to analyze it.
You don’t have to feel something dramatic.
Just keep showing up.
This is not about performing.
This is about being loved.
In case no one told you today:
You don’t have to earn your way back to God.
You are not too late. Not too distant. Not too numb.
He sees you.
He runs to you.
He embraces you—dirt, doubt, distance and all.
And He calls you: My child. Because that is who you are.
Know that you are loved.
Mike