Visio Divina
Imago, you are being so well. Yes, being. Being who you are. Being love. And out of that being, you have been doing. Doing beautiful things. Hard things. Meaningful things.
This month, let’s focus on receiving. Receiving inspiration, receiving love, more of who you are, from God.
To receive this month, I offer up a Visio Divina as our communal practice. (This practice’s wording is strongly influenced by this article.)
Visio Divina means “holy seeing” or praying with your eyes. Below are the steps to receiving this practice. I hope as you sit with it you find it helpful, meaningful, and full of connection to the Divine.
First, in Visio Divina, we need to find something to gaze upon. Something to focus our eyes on. Visual media abounds on the Internet and even in our own spaces. We have done some work with visual inspiration before - during Lent when we created a centerpiece. If you still have yours, like I do, that is something you could use to focus on. You could also use photos, cards you’ve received, or, if the weather is nice, it would be great to focus on something while sitting outside. Remember, you can ask God for guidance in this process - but know that there is no one RIGHT thing for your time in prayer. Hold it loosely.
Next, offer up a prayer over your chosen image. Ask God to be with you as you gaze upon your image. Trust that they are present, as always.
“Let your eyes stay with the very first thing you see in your chosen image. Perhaps you’ll notice a small detail like a tiny bird in a vast blue sky, or maybe one vibrant color in an abstract pattern may catch your eye. Don’t let your eyes wander around the rest of the image (not always easy!), but stick with your initial focus. I find that slowing my breathing, and continually bringing my attention back when it strays, is helpful. Consider what thoughts come into your mind and what emotions you’re feeling. Ask God to speak to you through what you’ve noticed and then take time to listen. I usually take around five minutes to do this, but there are no hard and fast rules.”
After sitting with your image as described above, pay attention again to how you are feeling. What emotions are rising to the surface? Where are those feelings in your body - your head? your heart? your gut? Are any memories coming up? Any questions you can delve into with God? Answers may not come, but maybe jot down the emotion or question to call to mind as your day goes on.
Finally, sit in silence. Reflect on all you just experienced through the image. Does anything remain? It’s completely fine if nothing arises! Be content that you were faithful to spending this time with God. It matters.
As you end your time, if you can, leave the image somewhere where you can keep it in view. This can help you recall your time spent with the Divine and bring to mind the emotions and questions you still have about/for God.
{This is a great resource for other Visio Divinas that are already put together. They have audio, scripture, etc. with them and are about 15 minutes each.}
Kids’ Version
This month let’s try to notice God in a picture or an object. It can be a picture you draw, that someone else drew, a photo...or it can be a thing, like your favorite toy, a soft blanket, or something you see outside. Since we have been practicing seeing God in everything, the possibilities are everywhere!
Once you pick your thing to focus on, have it in front of you and just look at it for a minute quietly. After you get a good feel for how it looks, think about how that object or image makes you feel. Does it make you feel happy? Cozy? Loved? Warm? Breezy?
What thoughts come to mind as you look at it? Fun memories? A feeling of being safe? A thought of how you could play with it or use it?
God is in all of these thoughts! He made these things for you to connect with and enjoy!
As you finish looking at your picture or object, place it somewhere where you will see it throughout the day - or even carry it with you! Each time you see it, try to call to mind that God was with you as you enjoyed it. Remembering God in this way is a great way to build up the idea of always praying - which is really just a way of always remembering that God is with us and near us and for us. Amen.
Vicky Brown is a spiritual director, rock collector and loves sci-fi and fantasy. As a “4” on the Enneagram she feels all the things, all the time. Just ask her husband, Cory. Vicky currently works with Mandy Kampen to co-lead Eats Drinks and Orthodoxy.