Contemplative/Mystical Illustrations
Union with God, contemplative prayer, apophatic theology.
Key question: “How does this text invite us into deeper union with God?”
14086 illustrations found
On This Day: The Battle of Castiglione in Napoleon's first Italian campaigns of the French... (1796)
On August 5, 1796: The Battle of Castiglione in Napoleon's first Italian campaigns of the French Revolutionary Wars results in a French victory. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon i
On This Day: After months of pursuit, generals of Menelik II of Ethiopia capture Gaki... (1897)
On September 11, 1897: After months of pursuit, generals of Menelik II of Ethiopia capture Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration
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: World War II: RAF bombing raid on Darmstadt and the following firestorm kill... (1944)
On September 11, 1944: World War II: RAF bombing raid on Darmstadt and the following firestorm kill 11,500. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about showing Christ-like
On This Day: China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at... (1967)
On September 11, 1967: China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La, Sikkim, India, which resulted in military clashes. This historical event can serve as a p
On This Day: Indo-Pakistani War: The Indian Army captures the town of Burki, just southeast... (1965)
On September 11, 1965: Indo-Pakistani War: The Indian Army captures the town of Burki, just southeast of Lahore. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works
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: Jack Kilby demonstrates the first working integrated circuit while working at... (1958)
On September 12, 1958: Jack Kilby demonstrates the first working integrated circuit while working at Texas Instruments. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly l
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: First day of the Battle of Edson's Ridge during the Guadalcanal... (1942)
On September 12, 1942: World War II: First day of the Battle of Edson's Ridge during the Guadalcanal Campaign. U.S. Marines protecting Henderson Field are attacked by Imperial Japanese Army troops. T
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: Hurricane Gilbert devastates Jamaica; it turns towards Mexico's Yucatán... (1988)
On September 12, 1988: Hurricane Gilbert devastates Jamaica; it turns towards Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula two days later, causing an estimated $5 billion in damage. This historical event can serve as
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: The two German states and the Four Powers sign the Treaty on the Final... (1990)
On September 12, 1990: The two German states and the Four Powers sign the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany in Moscow, paving the way for German reunification. This historical ev
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: Mexican-American War: Six teenage military cadets known as Niños Héroes die... (1847)
On September 13, 1847: Mexican-American War: Six teenage military cadets known as Niños Héroes die defending Chapultepec Castle in the Battle of Chapultepec. American troops under General Winfield Sco
On This Day: Battle of Baltimore: The poem Defence of Fort McHenry is written by Francis... (1814)
On September 14, 1814: Battle of Baltimore: The poem Defence of Fort McHenry is written by Francis Scott Key. The poem is later used as the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner. This historical event c
On This Day: Napoleonic Wars: The French Grande Armée enters Moscow. The Fire of Moscow... (1812)
On September 14, 1812: Napoleonic Wars: The French Grande Armée enters Moscow. The Fire of Moscow begins as soon as Russian troops leave the city. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon
On This Day: Cold War: Albania leaves the Warsaw Pact. (1968)
On September 13, 1968: Cold War: Albania leaves the Warsaw Pact. 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: Anglo-Egyptian War: The Battle of Tel el-Kebir is fought. (1882)
On September 13, 1882: Anglo-Egyptian War: The Battle of Tel el-Kebir is fought. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of history. C
On This Day: World War II: Commencement of Operation Overlord: The Allied invasion of... (1944)
On June 6, 1944: World War II: Commencement of Operation Overlord: The Allied invasion of Normandy begins with the execution of Operation Neptune—commonly referred to as D-Day—the largest seaborne inv
On This Day: The final act of the Greco-Turkish War, the Great Fire of Smyrna, commences. (1922)
On September 13, 1922: The final act of the Greco-Turkish War, the Great Fire of Smyrna, commences. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the e
On This Day: Battle of Versinikia: The Bulgars led by Krum defeat the Byzantine army near... (813)
On June 22, 813: Battle of Versinikia: The Bulgars led by Krum defeat the Byzantine army near Edirne. Emperor Michael I is forced to abdicate in favor of Leo V the Armenian. This historical event can
On This Day: The Treaty of Fort Pitt is signed. It is the first formal treaty between the... (1778)
On September 17, 1778: The Treaty of Fort Pitt is signed. It is the first formal treaty between the United States and a Native American tribe. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon ill