Contemplative/Mystical Illustrations
Union with God, contemplative prayer, apophatic theology.
Key question: “How does this text invite us into deeper union with God?”
10346 illustrations found
Reinhard Bonnke's Africa - Charismatic (Matthew 28:18-20)
Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke held crusades across Africa for decades. His organization estimates 79 million people recorded decisions for Christ. Critics questioned the numbers; Bonnke just kept preachi...
The Miracle in the Delay - Charismatic (Romans 8:28)
A woman prayed desperately for a job she wanted. The door kept closing. She was devastated—until a better opportunity appeared months later, one she wouldn't have found if she'd gotten the first job. ...
Soaking Prayer - Charismatic (Isaiah 40:31)
In charismatic circles, "soaking prayer" means simply resting in God's presence—no agenda, no requests, just waiting. Worship music plays; people lie on the floor; the Spirit ministers. Critics call i...
Grace and Empowerment - Charismatic (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Charismatics emphasize: grace doesn't stop at salvation. The same grace that saves empowers. "Not by works" applies to spiritual gifts too—you don't earn the Spirit's power through performance. Grace ...
The Love of the Father - Charismatic (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
A man came forward at a healing service—not for physical healing but for the wound of never hearing his father say "I love you." The ministry team prayed, asking the Father to speak. The man began wee...
Prophetic Promise - Charismatic (Jeremiah 29:11)
In charismatic circles, Jeremiah 29:11 is often spoken prophetically: "God says to you today: I have PLANS for you!" It's declaration, not just information. The Spirit makes ancient promises present a...
The Anointing That Overflows - Charismatic (Psalm 23)
"You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." In biblical times, hosts anointed honored guests with oil. The imagery is lavish welcome, abundant blessing. The charismatic tradition emphasizes: God ...
On This Day: The Sicilian revolution of 1848 is finally extinguished. (1849)
On May 15, 1849: The Sicilian revolution of 1848 is finally extinguished. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider...
On This Day: Mindon Min was crowned as King of Burma in Mandalay, Burma. (1857)
On May 14, 1857: Mindon Min was crowned as King of Burma in Mandalay, Burma. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it...
On This Day: World War II: In the United States, a bill creating the Women's Army Auxiliary... (1942)
On May 15, 1942: World War II: In the United States, a bill creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is signed into law. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration abou...
On This Day: The 1926 United Kingdom general strike ends. (1926)
On May 12, 1926: The 1926 United Kingdom general strike ends. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider using it when preaching...
On This Day: World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks AHS Centaur off the coast of... (1943)
On May 14, 1943: World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks AHS Centaur off the coast of Queensland. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its imp...
On This Day: French Revolution: Maximilien Robespierre proposes the Self-denying Ordinance. (1791)
On May 15, 1791: French Revolution: Maximilien Robespierre proposes the Self-denying Ordinance. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the event...
On This Day: American Civil War: Battle of New Market, Virginia: Students from the Virginia... (1864)
On May 15, 1864: American Civil War: Battle of New Market, Virginia: Students from the Virginia Military Institute fight alongside the Confederate army to force Union General Franz Sigel out of the Shenandoah Valley....
On This Day: In the Papal States, Cardinal Michelangelo dei Conti is elected Pope, and takes... (1721)
On May 8, 1721: In the Papal States, Cardinal Michelangelo dei Conti is elected Pope, and takes the name Innocent XIII. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God...
On This Day: First Barbary War: The Barbary pirates of Tripoli declare war on the United... (1801)
On May 10, 1801: First Barbary War: The Barbary pirates of Tripoli declare war on the United States of America. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation ...
On This Day: World War II: German fighters accidentally bomb the German city of Freiburg. (1940)
On May 10, 1940: World War II: German fighters accidentally bomb the German city of Freiburg. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events ...
On This Day: Maria Theresa of Austria is crowned Queen of Bohemia after defeating her rival,... (1743)
On May 12, 1743: Maria Theresa of Austria is crowned Queen of Bohemia after defeating her rival, Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration abo...
On This Day: Second Northern War: Battle of Warsaw begins. (1656)
On July 28, 1656: Second Northern War: Battle of Warsaw begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Consider using it ...
On This Day: Klaus Barbie goes on trial in Lyon for war crimes committed during World War II. (1987)
On May 11, 1987: Klaus Barbie goes on trial in Lyon for war crimes committed during World War II. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the eve...
On This Day: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette become King and Queen of France. (1774)
On May 10, 1774: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette become King and Queen of France. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider usin...
On This Day: World War II: The Thai Phayap Army invades the Shan States during the Burma... (1942)
On May 10, 1942: World War II: The Thai Phayap Army invades the Shan States during the Burma Campaign. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through th...
On This Day: American Civil War: Battle of Raymond: Two divisions of James B. McPherson's... (1863)
On May 12, 1863: American Civil War: Battle of Raymond: Two divisions of James B. McPherson's XVII Corps turn the left wing of Confederate General John C. Pemberton's defensive line on Fourteen Mile C...
On This Day: The Chinese Communist Party issues the "May 16 Notice", marking the beginning of... (1966)
On May 16, 1966: The Chinese Communist Party issues the "May 16 Notice", marking the beginning of the Cultural Revolution. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godl...