We are going to use imaginative prayer to place ourselves in the presence of God and contemplate the heavenly Kingdom. Jesus tells us in Luke 17:21, “the kingdom of God is within you.” And in John 14:23, He tells us that the Father and Son will come to the one who loves Him and “make our dwelling with him.” Through grace, God truly dwells within us.

This prayer is an invitation. You may see the images clearly, sense them only faintly, or simply know that you are in God's presence.

Let the Holy Spirit lead your prayer, and allow your experience to be your own.

Take a moment to settle into your space and make yourself comfortable. If you feel comfortable, close your eyes.

Take a slow breath in. And breathe out. Again, breathe in. And breathe out. One more time. Breathe in. And breathe out.

Now pray silently with me.

Ever-present God, You are here with me now. Help me to be present to You.

As you sit, lie, or stand, imagine that before you there is a heavenly door.

You stand before it, remembering the words of Jesus: Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. You knock.

The door slowly begins to open, and standing at the entry of the doorway is Jesus. His eyes are twinkling with love, and your eyes meet His. You are filled with peace. Peering out from behind the door is the Blessed Mother. She is radiant with joy, and she is so happy to see that you have come to visit.

Jesus opens the door wider and invites you in, and Mary shuts the door behind you. Mary takes you by the hand, and Jesus gently lays His hand on your back and slowly ushers you toward a room ahead with dazzling lights and multicolored jewels and One seated on the throne.

As you continue to walk forward, you realize that seated upon the throne is God the Father, and you are entering His receiving room. His image is almost too much to take in. But as you get closer and closer, a complete rest comes upon you, and there is no fear, only peace.

You realize that you have become like a little child, and Mary picks you up and presents you to the Father. The Father gently kisses your forehead. He looks at you, and there is no need to exchange words. His gaze fills you with peace and love.

He understands you. He knows your inmost being. He knows the thoughts you do not like about yourself, and He looks at you tenderly. Even your most hideous thoughts crumble in His gaze, and you begin to realize that nothing can separate you from His love.

As He looks at you, you understand that He wants to share something with you. He has a joyful surprise. He lifts you up and places you in the hands of the Blessed Mother. He extends His arm to the right and points with His finger in the direction of another room where Jesus is now waiting for you.

The Blessed Mother releases your hand and encourages you to run ahead. You run to Jesus. Everything about Him is dazzling white. When you get to Him, He picks you up and swings you around. His joyful laughter resounds in your ears, and He draws you into a close embrace. He sets you down and looks at you, and you understand that He has the surprise for you.

He steps back, and above Him you see the Father with His arms wide open and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, flowing from Him. From the Holy Spirit there is a light shining down on Jesus that seems to flow through Him and passes out through His heart directly into your heart.

As you stand there and look at your own body, you notice that your right arm has become dazzling white. You then look at your left arm, and it is radiant as well. As you continue to scan your body, you realize your whole body is being illuminated and that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit.

If there is any part of your body, mind, memory, or soul that needs healing, peace, forgiveness, or strength, place it before Him now and simply receive what God chooses to give.

Look again toward Jesus. Become aware of Mary. Let gratitude rise within you for the gift of God's presence.

They now lead you back into the receiving room, where the Heavenly Father is once again seated on His throne, waiting for you. Mary lifts you up and places you back on His lap. You exchange glances. And you recognize that it is time to move on and get back to your stewardship.

The Father draws you back in for one more warm embrace. And He makes you understand that you are always welcome in the Kingdom. You do not have to stay long or for long periods of time, but you can simply stop by and say hello and be in His presence.

He kisses your forehead and sets you down, and Jesus and Mary walk you back to the door.

You hesitate to leave, but also understand that God knows you have responsibilities. You are comforted by the idea that you can come back anytime you desire.

As you head toward the door, you realize that the Holy Spirit is within you, and that Jesus, Mary, and your guardian angel will accompany you through your day and night.

Offer one more prayer of thanksgiving and petition before you go.

Father, thank You for receiving me. Jesus, remain with me. Holy Spirit, live and act within me. Mary, help me to keep my heart turned toward your Son.

May everything I do today give glory to God. Amen.

When you are ready, gently become aware of the room around you. Take one slow breath in, and breathe out.

Open your eyes when you are ready. Take your time.

If you have time, you may want to journal about what came to you in prayer—an image, a feeling, a word, a silence, or simply the awareness that God was present.

Remember in all things to give glory to God. Look for Him throughout your day, and thank Him for every way He makes His presence known. He loves you. Continue in His love.

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