This guide outlines the steps in Visio Divina; it can be used with the Journal Template for Visio Divina. A Word Document of a Guide to Visio Divina can also be downloaded.
Visio Divina
SEEING WITH THE EYES OF THE HEART
Visio Divina, or “sacred seeing,” is a way of praying with art that moves us into deeper communion with the holy. It follows a similar path to Lectio Divina or “sacred reading” In a world that is ever more inundated with images, Visio Divina requires us to slow down and truly see.
We open the eyes of our hearts to see traces of grace in art. This practice does not require any special knowledge or appreciation of art, just a willingness to attend to and interact with the colours, textures, forms and overall impressions. You are usually provided spoken or written resource material to help you interpret the image. Visio Divina is an invitation to wonder and consider. The image comes alive with personal meaning. While sacred art is often the starting point for Visio Divina, we can also pray with the sacred spaces in which we worship, some secular art, creation and images arising in everyday life. This is the same movement of the Spirit we can experience when listening to Scripture in the manner of Lectio Divina.
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“All that is good, all that is true, all that is beautiful brings us to God.” — POPE FRANCIS
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PREPARING
Prepare the resource material for the Visio Divina: make sure the art is visible to all if this is group prayer. This can come from digital, print, video or a live guide. If the art depicts a Biblical scene, open the Bible to that passage. Settle yourself in an appropriate prayer space. Centre yourself in quiet prayer. Welcome and orient participants.
GAZING
Gaze at the image. Look at the different sections. What do you notice? On what details do you focus? What emotions does it evoke? Gazing goes beyond looking. When we gaze, we go beyond the image into a sacred realm. We become aware of the glimmers of grace radiating through the image.
RESPONDING
If the passage depicts or evokes a Biblical scene, read the passage from the Bible slowly and meditatively. Respond to the image with prayer. Where are you in the artwork? What do you see from that perspective? How do you see or feel the sacred in this image?
CONSIDERING
Consider the written or spoken resource material. Ponder insights from artists, scholars and saints. Take another look. What insights stood out for you? What questions remain?
RESTING
Gently gaze at the image for a while. How does this image lead you closer to God? Did it open a new awareness, or spark a conviction? Rest in this sacred space. Offer gratitude for insights gathered or questions raised.
ACTING
The outbreath of prayer is action. How does this prayer experience connect with your life? How can your insights help others? Which insight or part of the image do you most want to carry with you? St. Clare called this step, “Imitation.” How does this prayer help us to imitate Christ?
