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: Vietnam War: Tet Offensive launch by forces of the Viet Cong and North... (1968)
On January 30, 1968: Vietnam War: Tet Offensive launch by forces of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army against South Vietnam, the United States, and their allies. This historical event can serve
On This Day: Saint Kitts and Nevis gains its independence. (1983)
On September 19, 1983: Saint Kitts and Nevis gains its independence. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using it when
On This Day: Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in his home compound, India's... (1948)
On January 30, 1948: Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in his home compound, India's prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, broadcasts to the nation, saying "The light has gone out of our lives
On This Day: Cardinal Robert of Geneva is elected as Pope Clement VII, beginning the Papal... (1378)
On September 20, 1378: Cardinal Robert of Geneva is elected as Pope Clement VII, beginning the Papal schism. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works thro
On This Day: The founding of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III is announced on St.... (1348)
On April 23, 1348: The founding of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III is announced on St. George's Day. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadershi
On This Day: At the Battle of Fulford, Harald Hardrada defeats earls Morcar and Edwin. (1066)
On September 20, 1066: At the Battle of Fulford, Harald Hardrada defeats earls Morcar and Edwin. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the even
On This Day: The forces of the Sultanate of Muscat occupy the last strongholds of the Imamate... (1959)
On January 30, 1959: The forces of the Sultanate of Muscat occupy the last strongholds of the Imamate of Oman, Saiq and Shuraijah, marking the end of Jebel Akhdar War in Oman. This historical event c
On This Day: Following the Battle of Burki, the Indian Army captures Dograi in during the... (1965)
On September 20, 1965: Following the Battle of Burki, the Indian Army captures Dograi in during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about
On This Day: Gunpowder Plot: Four of the conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, are executed for... (1606)
On January 31, 1606: Gunpowder Plot: Four of the conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, are executed for treason by hanging, drawing and quartering, for plotting against Parliament and King James. This
On This Day: American Civil War: The largest in a series of Southern bread riots occurs in... (1863)
On April 2, 1863: American Civil War: The largest in a series of Southern bread riots occurs in Richmond, Virginia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God wor
On This Day: Alvan Graham Clark discovers the white dwarf star Sirius B, a companion of... (1862)
On January 31, 1862: Alvan Graham Clark discovers the white dwarf star Sirius B, a companion of Sirius, through an 18.5-inch (47 cm) telescope now located at Northwestern University. This historical
On This Day: The Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 is launched in Clydebank, Scotland. (1967)
On September 20, 1967: The Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 is launched in Clydebank, Scotland. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about godly leadership and its impact.
On This Day: American Civil War: The United States Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment... (1865)
On January 31, 1865: American Civil War: The United States Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, and submits it to the states for ratification
On This Day: South Ossetia declares its independence from Georgia. (1990)
On September 20, 1990: South Ossetia declares its independence from Georgia. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the gift of freedom and liberation. Consider using
On This Day: Eighty Years' War and Anglo-Spanish War: The Battle of Gembloux is a victory for... (1578)
On January 31, 1578: Eighty Years' War and Anglo-Spanish War: The Battle of Gembloux is a victory for Spanish forces led by Don John of Austria over a rebel army of Dutch, Flemish, English, Scottish,
On This Day: An Aragonese cavalry force defeats a superior Castilian cavalry force in the... (1359)
On September 22, 1359: An Aragonese cavalry force defeats a superior Castilian cavalry force in the Battle of Araviana during the War of the Two Peters. This historical event can serve as a powerful
On This Day: The Treaty of Lyon ends the Italian War, confirming French domination of... (1504)
On January 31, 1504: The Treaty of Lyon ends the Italian War, confirming French domination of northern Italy, while Spain receives the Kingdom of Naples. This historical event can serve as a powerful
On This Day: Taiping Rebellion: The Ever Victorious Army defeats Taiping forces at the Battle... (1862)
On September 21, 1862: Taiping Rebellion: The Ever Victorious Army defeats Taiping forces at the Battle of Cixi. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works
On This Day: The Paris Agreement is signed, an agreement to help fight global warming. (2016)
On April 22, 2016: The Paris Agreement is signed, an agreement to help fight global warming. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events o
On This Day: Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during the American Revolution. (1776)
On September 22, 1776: Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during the American Revolution. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works through the events of his
On This Day: History of Portugal: The first attempt at a Portuguese republican revolution... (1891)
On January 31, 1891: History of Portugal: The first attempt at a Portuguese republican revolution breaks out in the northern city of Porto. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illust
On This Day: Lord Randolph Churchill makes a speech in Ulster in opposition to the Irish Home... (1885)
On September 22, 1885: Lord Randolph Churchill makes a speech in Ulster in opposition to the Irish Home Rule movement. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about the endu
On This Day: US Army private Eddie Slovik is executed for desertion, the first such execution... (1945)
On January 31, 1945: US Army private Eddie Slovik is executed for desertion, the first such execution of an American soldier since the Civil War. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon
On This Day: Hundred Years' War: A French army defeats the English at the Battle of La... (1423)
On September 26, 1423: Hundred Years' War: A French army defeats the English at the Battle of La Brossinière. This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about how God works thr