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
On This Day: World War II: The Moscow Armistice between Finland and the Soviet Union is... (1944)
On September 19, 1944: World War II: The Moscow Armistice between Finland and the Soviet Union is signed, which officially ended the Continuation War. This historical event can serve as a powerful se...
On This Day: Korean War: An attack by North Korean forces was repelled at the Battle of Nam... (1950)
On September 19, 1950: Korean War: An attack by North Korean forces was repelled at the Battle of Nam River. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works thro...
On This Day: The American Association for the Advancement of Science is created. (1848)
On September 20, 1848: The American Association for the Advancement of Science is created. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and human discovery. ...
On This Day: World War II: The Battle of Crete ends as Crete capitulates to Germany. (1941)
On June 1, 1941: World War II: The Battle of Crete ends as Crete capitulates to Germany. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of hi...
On This Day: Crimean War: British and French troops defeat Russians at the Battle of Alma. (1854)
On September 20, 1854: Crimean War: British and French troops defeat Russians at the Battle of Alma. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the ...
On This Day: The Treaty of Ryswick is signed by France, England, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire... (1697)
On September 20, 1697: The Treaty of Ryswick is signed by France, England, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire and the Dutch Republic, ending the Nine Years' War. This historical event can serve as a powerf...
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: The Kingdom of Hungary is admitted to the League of Nations. (1922)
On September 18, 1922: The Kingdom of Hungary is admitted to the League of Nations. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact. Consider u...
On This Day: World War II: First day of Battle of Elaia-Kalamas between the Greeks and the... (1940)
On November 2, 1940: World War II: First day of Battle of Elaia-Kalamas between the Greeks and the Italians. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's creation and...
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...
On This Day: Cyprus Convention: The Ottoman Empire cedes Cyprus to the United Kingdom but... (1878)
On June 4, 1878: Cyprus Convention: The Ottoman Empire cedes Cyprus to the United Kingdom but retains nominal title. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly lead...
On This Day: Six days after a referendum, King Christian X of Denmark annuls the declaration... (1946)
On September 20, 1946: Six days after a referendum, King Christian X of Denmark annuls the declaration of independence of the Faroe Islands. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illus...
On This Day: Pope Leo X threatens to excommunicate Martin Luther in Exsurge Domine. (1520)
On June 15, 1520: Pope Leo X threatens to excommunicate Martin Luther in Exsurge Domine. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about renewal and reformation in the life of...
On This Day: American Civil War: The Second Battle of Petersburg begins. (1864)
On June 15, 1864: American Civil War: The Second Battle of Petersburg begins. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. Cons...
On This Day: A treaty annexing the Republic of Hawaii to the United States is signed; the... (1897)
On June 16, 1897: A treaty annexing the Republic of Hawaii to the United States is signed; the Republic would not be dissolved until a year later. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon...
On This Day: Sixteen Kingdoms: Sima Yao, age 10, succeeds his father Emperor Jianwen as... (372)
On September 12, 372: Sixteen Kingdoms: Sima Yao, age 10, succeeds his father Emperor Jianwen as Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin dynasty. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illust...
On This Day: Armenia gains independence from the Soviet Union. (1991)
On September 21, 1991: Armenia gains independence from the Soviet Union. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using it ...
On This Day: Second Sino-Japanese War: The Chinese Army withdraws from the Battle of... (1937)
On November 9, 1937: Second Sino-Japanese War: The Chinese Army withdraws from the Battle of Shanghai. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through th...
On This Day: LGBT rights activist Zak Kostopoulos is beaten to death on a busy street in... (2018)
On September 21, 2018: LGBT rights activist Zak Kostopoulos is beaten to death on a busy street in Athens This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's heart for justice and righteousness....
On This Day: The Samogitians defeat the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in the Battle of... (1236)
On September 22, 1236: The Samogitians defeat the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in the Battle of Saule. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through ...
On This Day: Eighty Years' War: A Spanish force led by the Marquis del Vasto successfully... (1586)
On September 22, 1586: Eighty Years' War: A Spanish force led by the Marquis del Vasto successfully fights its way past a joint English/Dutch ambush in the Battle of Zutphen. This historical event ca...
On This Day: Battle of Beaver Dams: A British and Indian combined force defeats the United... (1813)
On June 24, 1813: Battle of Beaver Dams: A British and Indian combined force defeats the United States Army. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works thro...
On This Day: Seabiscuit defeats War Admiral in an upset victory during a match race deemed... (1938)
On November 1, 1938: Seabiscuit defeats War Admiral in an upset victory during a match race deemed "the match of the century" in horse racing. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon ill...
On This Day: The Siege of Damascus ends in a decisive crusader defeat and leads to the... (1148)
On July 29, 1148: The Siege of Damascus ends in a decisive crusader defeat and leads to the disintegration of the Second Crusade. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration abo...