EXERCISE 20: Answering Jesus’ question: Your Heart’s Deepest Desire.
We will try again ‘Gospel Contemplation,’ in which we put ourselves, with the use of our imagination, into a scene with Jesus, this time with the express purpose of trying to figure out what our “Heart’s Deepest Desire” might be.
- When you have centred and stilled yourself, read Mark 11:46-52. Jesus asks of Bartimaeus “What do you want me to do for you?”
- Read the passage slowly. Let your imagination take over. Imagine the landscape… hear the sounds… see the people… (don’t worry about historical accuracy! Your imagination is a great movie director! It may place the scene right in your own downtown!)
- See if you can imagine yourself to be the person Jesus speaks to… Hear His words… What is He asking you? What can Jesus do for you?
- Without thinking too hard, what can you answer Him? Can you state your ‘Heart’s Deepest Desire’?
When you’re done, take a moment to write out what happened in your Journal. More about this in a moment. Do this Exercise as often as you need to, in order to really identify and name what your deepest longing is. At first, it may sound superficial, but over time, you will refine your understanding.