Visio Divina: Praying with a Picture

Visio divina, Latin for divine or sacred seeing, is an invitation to prayerfully notice God’s presence with an image. This form of prayer uses the visible to nurture the invisible. In my own life, walking through a museum or art gallery, or even looking through a photo album can be a spiritual experience for me. I’ve even practiced visio divina while putting together a collage.

Images and scenery can evoke all sorts of feelings, whether it be joy, defensiveness, relief, curiosity, disappointment, anger, or peace. Subconsciously or otherwise, our bodies respond to what we see. Our shoulders or jaw may soften or tense up. We may sense an unexpected peace or restlessness. Visio divina is an opportunity to use visual aids, as well as these physical and emotional messengers to pay attention to our inner world.

How to Pray with Visio Divina

Similar to lectio divina, visio divina contains 4-5 steps: observe (read), reflect, respond, rest. Depending who you ask, these steps may slightly differ. Guided visio divina experiences may also included specific questions to support your reflection. The steps below generally follow those of lectio divina.

Select an Image

Choose an image that interests you. Visio divina is not limited to a single style of art or image. Religious icons or paintings may be an easy starting point, but you could also explore photographs, contemporary art, collages, sculpture, tapestries, puzzles, or a child’s coloring page.

Here’s a few spots to find interesting images and other visio divina inspiration:

• St. John’s Bible, an illuminated Bible with additional resources for visio divina.
• Vanderbilt Divinity Library is a host to numerous pieces of art inspired by the lectionary.
• Selected images are available through the Center for Christogenesis.
• University of Portland has a list of 15 minute guided prayers available through YouTube.
• Victoria’s blog, Art and Theology, features some beautiful images.
• I’ve created a small Pinterest board with few images that you may like to use for prayer.

Observe the image

Take 10 minutes or so to let your eyes fall over the piece. Take your time. What do you see? What elements of the image stand out to you? Jotting down a few notes may be helpful to remember your impressions, but it is not necessary.

Notice your response

As you gaze on the image, pay attention to your physical, emotional, and spiritual response. What emotions do you feel? Where in your body are you settled or unsettled?

Reflect on God’s invitation

After observing the image and your response, take a few moments to focus your attention on the divine invitation in front of you. Where do you notice God’s presence? Where is the Spirit leading you?

“Authentic God experience always expands your seeing and never constricts it. … In God you do not include less and less; you always see and love more and more.”

— Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ

Respond in prayer

When you are ready, end with prayer. How will you respond to God’s invitation? There is no right or wrong way to pray in this moment. Notice what words come to mind and give those to God. Silence and rest may also be appropriate.

Visio divina is a beautiful, creative form of prayer I encourage you to try. If you’ve prayed in this way or used any of the resources I’ve listed above, I welcome your thoughts!