Visio Divina is a prayer practice that helps our Lenten journey by helping us to open Sunday Gospel readings in a visual way. It helps us to see the living Word with new eyes. This list identifies art for visio divina along with resources for praying with this art.

Normally, the following steps are taken in Visio Divina:

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.

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. How do you see or feel the sacred in this image?

CONSIDERING

Engage your imagination. Where are you in the artwork? What do you see from that perspective? View, listen to or read the resource material slowly.* Take a second, deeper look. What insights did the resource material produce? 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?

*The links beside the art works provide the resource material during the Considering step.

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