Praying with the Senses

1. Sight

What to notice: The faces of the people, their clothing, their postures. The landscape—hills, water, buildings. The quality of light. Christ's expression as He speaks or heals.

Example: In the healing of the blind man, see the dusty road, the crowd parting, the hope and fear on the man's face, the compassion in Jesus' eyes.

2. Hearing

What to notice: The words spoken—Jesus' voice, the disciples' questions, the crowd's murmur. Background sounds—wind, water, animals, children playing.

Example: At the Last Supper, hear the quiet of the upper room, the clink of cups, the weight of Jesus' words: "This is my body, given for you."

3. Smell

What to notice: The scents of the environment—sea air, dusty roads, cooking fires, perfume, incense, crowds, animals. The fragrance of holiness itself.

Example: In the anointing at Bethany, smell the overwhelming fragrance of costly perfume filling the room, mingling with the smell of bread and oil lamps.

4. Taste

What to notice: The food and drink in the scene—bread, wine, fish, honey. The "taste" of spiritual realities—the sweetness of Christ's presence, the bitterness of sin or suffering.

Example: At the multiplication of loaves, taste the simple bread broken from Christ's hands—how it fills and satisfies beyond its physical substance.

5. Touch

What to notice: The ground beneath your feet, the roughness of stone, the warmth of sun, the touch of Christ's hand. Physical sensations of heat, cold, wind, pressure.

Example: In the woman who touched Jesus' cloak, feel the press of the crowd, the desperate reach of her hand, the texture of the garment's edge.

"I can't visualize anything."

That's okay. Work with impressions rather than images. "I sense dusty heat" works as well as seeing it clearly. You can also emphasize hearing or touch instead of sight.

"My mind keeps wandering."

This is universal. When you notice your mind has wandered, gently return to the last sense you were exploring. Do not judge yourself—simply begin again.

"The scene feels forced or artificial."

Try less effort, not more. Let the scene be simple and vague. Over-elaboration often backfires. Stay close to what Scripture actually says.

"Strange or disturbing images arise."

If imagery becomes intrusive, bizarre, or produces anxiety, stop the exercise. Return to simple vocal prayer (the Our Father, for example). Discuss this with a spiritual director if it recurs.

Is praying with the senses the same as visualization?

Not exactly. Modern visualization often aims at creating reality or achieving goals. Ignatian sensory prayer aims at receptive encounter with Christ through Scripture. The imagination is a vehicle, not a power.

What if I only connect with one or two senses?

That's perfectly fine. Some people are more auditory, others more kinesthetic. Use whatever senses come naturally. You don't need to force all five in every prayer period.

Can I imagine myself as a character in the scene?

Yes—this is traditional. You might be a bystander, a disciple, or someone seeking healing. The key is that Christ remains the center, not you. You are there to encounter Him, not to star in the story.

How often should I practice this?

Ignatian tradition suggests one extended prayer period daily (30-60 minutes) during a retreat, but in ordinary life, even 15-20 minutes several times a week can bear fruit. Regularity matters more than duration.

Is this prayer form safe without a director?

Basic sensory prayer is generally safe for individual practice. However, if you experience strong emotions, confusing experiences, or want to explore the full Spiritual Exercises, a trained Ignatian director is highly recommended.