An Exercise – The Image of God

A guided practice to understand and, if necessary, reshape or refine your personal image of God.

Preparation

Perception: Trust Your Inner Response

Use something as you go to take notes – a notebook, an app., a piece of paper whatever your preference.

Remember that human perception varies. You might experience your image of God primarily:

  • Visually: Seeing a picture or scene.
  • Kinetically/Emotionally: Feeling warmth, tension, or calmness in your body.
  • Auditorily/Olfactorily: Hearing a sound or sensing a smell.

However your perception first arises is the right answer for you.

Grounding:

  1. Sit comfortably, with feet on the floor.
  2. Rest your hands open in your lap.
  3. Take three slow, deep breaths.
  4. Silently affirm: “We are not trying to manufacture perception or emotion. We are simply making space to notice what is already there.”

Step 1: Notice Your Existing Image of God

(3–5 minutes)

Ask yourself silently and observe your immediate response:

  • Perception: When you imagine God, what is your first perception (what do you see, feel, hear, smell, or taste)?
    • Describe what you perceive – use something to take notes as you go.
  • Emotion: What is the immediate, non-judgmental emotion you feel in your body?
    • Describe the feeling (e.g., joy, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, surprise) without using qualifiers like “good” or “bad.”
    • Write down the immediate emotions you feel.

Reflect on Your Image:

Now, step back and look at your notes on the perception and feelings.

  • Do you feel this perception is accurate to your stated beliefs about God?
  • How does this perception make you feel?
  • Are you satisfied with the image of God in your mind?

Humanize the Image:

If your image is not a person, envision it as a person. Look into God’s face:

  • What is God’s expression?
  • How does this expression make you feel (e.g., warmth, distance, tension, safety)?

Important: Do not correct the image. Just observe.

You might guide: “Whatever image comes, welcome it without shame. This is simply where your heart currently lives.”

Pause in silence to absorb what you have noticed.

Step 2: Behold the Crucified Christ

(5 minutes)

We are told the most accurate depiction of God in human history is Jesus, who embodies self-giving love. And the most self-giving image of Jesus is on the crucifixion cross. Him self-sacrificing himself, dying for his friends, us. This is the very definition of ultimate love.

Gently shift your imagination: “Bring to mind Jesus on the cross.”

Focus not on graphic detail, but on posture and expression. Notice:

  • He absorbs violence rather than inflicting it.
  • He forgives enemies and does not retaliate.
  • He remains self-giving love in the face of rejection.

Then ask the central question:

“Does the image of God you carry look like this?”

Let silence do the work.

Step 3: Release Distorted Images

(2–3 minutes)

If you notice a mismatch—if the image you carry does not reflect the self-giving love revealed in Christ—you may release it gently.

  • Imagine placing that image in Jesus’ hands.
  • No force. No condemnation. Just surrender.

Step 4: Receive the Cross-Shaped Father

(5 minutes)

Now, re-imagine: The Father

The Father’s face looks like the face of Jesus.

  • Not different in character.
  • Not harsher or colder.

You may say slowly: “The Father is not unlike Jesus. The Father looks like Jesus.”

Sit quietly in that reality. Let the nervous system settle.

Step 5: Integration Questions

Before ending, ask:

  • What shifted?
  • What surprised you?
  • What resisted?

(Keep this gentle and optional.)

Why This Exercise Works:

It integrates:

  • Theology (God revealed in Christ)
  • Psychology (imagination reshapes perception)
  • Spiritual formation (slow interior transformation)

It moves people from:

  • Abstract doctrine

to

  • Lived encounter
Teaching Notes (For Facilitator)
  1. Do not argue theology during the exercise. This is formation, not debate.
  2. Expect resistance. Many people have deeply embedded fear-images of God.
  3. Repeatability matters. Imagination reshapes neural pathways through repetition. Encourage participants to ask throughout the week: “Is this what the crucified Christ is like?” especially when feeling shame, fear, or self-condemnation.