Visualization is a technique that can be helpful in your Christian walk and can be used for Scripture memorization, stress reduction, a more meaningful prayer time, and a more intentional interaction with Scripture.

 

Visualization is simply taking what you read and using your imagination to picture a scene or landscape in your mind. Using this technique can be very helpful because it takes written words and engages other parts of your brain to create an image. This image helps you ‘see’ what you are reading, thereby engaging the part of your brain associated with vision. Any time you can engage in more sensory information, whether by seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, or tasting, you are more likely to have a more meaningful experience. This also creates a more intense memory. Let’s try it.

This following exercise will walk you through using visualization to help memorize Psalms 143:8-10. I will lead you through an example of how you might visualize this passage. Feel free to change my example to make it more applicable to you. It helps me visualize if I read a portion of the passage and then close my eyes and ‘see’ the phrase before reading more.

Psalm 143:8-10

8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

Imagine a beautiful morning. It may be in your favorite spot in your home, at the beach, in the mountains, or any other place that feels good and familiar. You may want to visualize God’s “word of unfailing love” as a sunrise or the word “love” floating in the air toward you. The sunrise could represent a reminder of God’s love for you, or the word “love” floating toward you would be a more literal image.

for I have put my trust in you.

Think about what trust looks like. People say faith and trust are like sitting in a chair and having faith that the chair will ‘catch’ you. You may imagine sitting in God’s lap or holding your hands out toward God like you are offering yourself to Him.

Show me the way I should go,

Create a scene where you and Jesus begin to take a walk. Imagine his kind and compassionate face as he guides you along the path. You are not sure where he is taking you but not knowing does not bother you because you are with Him on the journey.

for to you I entrust my life.

Let his kind and wise face create the feeling of total surrender and trust in your heart. This image can lead you to a place of total trust and the thought that no one could ever make you feel more safe and secure while with them.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,

As you walk down this road with Jesus, others come to rob you. Jesus simply says, “Stop,” and they are unable to move. You feel amazed by how powerful Jesus’ words are and how safe you feel with him.

for I hide myself in you.

Jesus reaches out and embraces you, and you feel like a gentle giant is hugging you. His arms totally envelop you, and you feel comforted and warm. You notice how good Jesus’ garment smells as you hug him. You don’t want to stop hugging him.

10 Teach me to do your will,

As you continue walking with Jesus, you ask him to teach you what you should do. He reassures you that he will never leave you, and he will always guide you. Again, you feel reassured and thankful.

for you are my God;

Along the road, you pass an old friend and introduce Jesus to them. You tell them that he is your Savior and the kindest, wisest, and most noble person you have ever known. Jesus expresses to them how much he loves you and how much you mean to Him.

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

As you continue walking with Jesus, you realize he is not taking certain paths. You ask him why he is taking the path he has chosen. He explains that other paths have dangers you cannot see. He explains that the path he has chosen has shade and water nearby. He tells you that the path you are on also gives him more time alone with you before reaching your destination and the busy city. His words bring you comfort, and you feel grateful for the beautiful morning and your walk with Jesus. You feel so loved that you want the walk with Jesus to continue forever.

Amen.

This is one example of many different ways you might visualize this passage. Again, we are not trying to change what the text says; we are simply improvising images and feelings as we read the passage to create a more ‘real’ experience of the text.

Hopefully, this was a meaningful experience for you. This may be something you often do and don’t realize it. It may feel strange and awkward for others, which is okay. The important thing is to take time and do the exercise so that you get more comfortable with it and you slow down and take in the words of the Psalm.