3.    IMAGINATIVE REFLECTION: LEADER’S GUIDE
Lk. 8:40, 42b-48

                                 Joanna Robinson


Materials needed:        Copies of the reflection questions
                pens or pencils for everyone.


Sitting in a circle is recommended for this activity


(Speak slowly)
Leader may say something like the following: 

    "God has given each of us an imagination.  It is like our own personal treasure box.  We don't need wealth, or status, or education to have an imagination.  We only need an invitation to open up the treasure box of our imagination as we hear a familiar Bible study from the 8th chapter of Luke.  You will listen to the story with your eyes closed, imagining yourself to be the woman Jesus healed.  When the reading ends, please continue in silent, imaginative reflection for the next 5 minutes. Afterwards, I will ask you to write down your thoughts on 3 reflection questions.  Then we will break into small groups for discussion.  So that you'll know which group you're in, we will now number off."

At this point, ask the participants to number off, so that you form groups of about four people per group.  Next, point out where group 1, group 2, etc. will go to sit later when it is time to move into small groups.  Next, hand out the reflection question papers and a pen or pencil, unless you have done this in advance.  Ask that the sheets of paper be put aside until they are needed so that they are not a distraction during the time of silence.

(Speak slowly)

    "Now that you know what we'll be doing, let's begin.  Find a comfortable sitting position, one that allows you to be still and to feel relaxed.  Close your eyes, and let yourself experience the stillness inside of you.  Take a deep, relaxing breath to breathe in God's peace.  Breathe out any tension you might feel.  Now, imagine that you are a woman who has had a flow of blood for many years, and you have not been able to be healed.  You have heard that Jesus is coming, and you join the crowd.” 

"Imagine yourself in that scene now, and bring all of your senses into the story as you listen to it."

    [ Slowly read Luke 8:40, 42b-48.  After you finish reading, sit down.  Allow 5 minutes of silent reflection.]

    "I invite you now in silence to write your responses to the 3 reflection questions on your papers for the next 5 minutes."
    [ Allow about 5 minutes, or whatever seems needed.  You should also answer the questions on a sheet.]

    "Please finish your writing now, and move into your small groups for the next 15 minutes.  Each person in the group is encouraged to share, as well as to listen fully to each other."


    [ You should join a discussion group and take part in a sharing.  At the end of approximately 15 minutes, or when the discussion seems to be coming to an end, go back to the full group setting and invite everyone to rejoin the full group as soon as the person speaking in their group has finished.]

    "Welcome back to our full group.  What insight would you like to share from your small group discussion of this Bible Study?"

    [ You may want to ask each group to share one insight from the group discussion.  Or you may want to let the sharing flow freely.  When the time seems right, end the full group discussion by thanking the group for taking part and sharing their reflections in this imaginative way of responding to the Bible.  Close with a prayer of thanks to God for all that has taken place.]

    Reflection Questions on Luke 8:42-48

Please write your thoughts on these reflection questions, imagining yourself to be the woman in the story.

1.    What did you see, feel, and hear while you were part of the scene?

2.    Describe how you felt as you imagined yourself to be the woman in the story.

3.    Explain how you see this passage to have particular significance for women now.