Visio Divina is a form of contemplative prayer, which means we are using our minds, hearts, and imaginations to recognize God’s presence with us. And it’s meant to draw us into an intimate encounter with the love of God.
The practice is an ancient part of Christian tradition. In the practice we use art to open our hearts to sense the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And it does not require the art to be religious in nature.
Step One:
Take a deep breath . . . and then let it out, releasing any stress or tension you may be feeling.
Take one more deep breath . . . taking in God’s amazing love and mercy . . . and breathe out any burdens you may be caring.
Step Two:
Take a look at the photo. Look at the foreground & the background. Notice the details, the layering, the colours, the textures. What has drawn your attention?
Step Three:
Focus in and meditate on the piece that has drawn your attention.
What is God saying to you through this? Why do you think God has drawn your attention to this? How is this relevant for you today? Do you sense an invitation? Do you hear a call? Does this remind you of anything? Is there a corresponding emotion? Is there a word that describes how you feel about what you are experiencing?
Step Four:
This next step is about our response.
Try to let your soul and your heart respond and let your mind rest. What is your response to what you are hearing? What is your prayer? Does a longing or desire come out of this? Give voice to the emotion within, by acknowledging it. “I hear you!”
Step Five:
Words are never enough to express our deepest selves. So, turn to silence and rest with your Creator, the One who kissed your soul before placing it in your body, the One who Loves you beyond measure. Savour the stillness and be soothed by LOVE.
“Authentic God experience always expands your seeing and never constricts it . . . In God you do not include less & less; you always see and love more and more.” Richard Rohr