What is a midrash
Midrash’s with a capital M are ancient Jewish prayerful interpretations and/or commentaries on biblical text done in allegorical or metaphoric story form to assist in explaining scripture. Midrash Aggada most often focuses on biblical characters and can be mystical in nature. Midrash halakha, is used to help explain Jewish laws and practice. These definitions do not do the term of Midrash justice and I would suggest if you would like to learn more to explore more detailed and authentic Jewish materials.
Modern / contemporary midrash
The Woman after the Well – From Love Flows Discipleship
Interview with St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross
These contemporary midrash’s have been used in small audiences drawing those that have participated into further examination of the Word. It is best to think of these midrash’s as a contemporary version of the technique as applied to developing an appreciation and imitation of those depicted. I offer these midrash’s free for reuse provided you have asked for, received permission and reference the author as www.immersiveprayer.org as the creator of the midrash. I also ask the same for the public use or re-interpretation and humbly ask that you do so with deep prayer. These midrash’s have been utilized in a multi-person skit format.
The idea of using a midrash technique for exploring the meaning of biblical text is still in use today. I respectfully use a lower case m “to” describe modern midrash which in fact today even include rap music versions. Using a midrash technique is not unheard of in the Christian tradition. I believe is an appropriate technique that can be properly applied to holy characters such as saints outside of Scripture.
My use of the midrash technique requires the immersion into the perceived life of holy characters as much as possible. This is done with research and considerable prayer. I attempt to use actual quotes where possible. However, it is best understand that scenarios, thought and exploration have been assembled not to prove anything but rather to create a thought provoking point that in no way should be considered accurate. In other words these contemporary midrash’s are meant to be prayerful in nature but are not historical and should not be quoted as if they are real or actually happened.
Other related materials/events
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction Meetings Agendas