VISIO DIVINA
Visio Divina — “sacred seeing” — is an ancient form of Christian prayer that shares roots with Lectio Divina. Visio Divina invites us to encounter God through images. In silence, we let a sacred image draw our hearts and imagination to help us listen, meditate, and savor what God wants to show us visually and interiorly. We can use the following steps to pray with the eyes of our hearts:
Choose an image from a website, a photograph, a painting, or an icon, especially one that has a connection to a Scripture passage. Read the passage for familiarity without having to fully understand.
Take seven deep breaths. Ask for the grace to see and receive what God wants to show you.
Look at the image and let your eyes stay on an area that first drew you. Keep your attention on that one part of the image that first catches your eye. Refrain from wandering to other parts of the picture. For two minutes, focus on this area of the image. Then, while still viewing the portion, close your eyes for a minute.
Open your eyes and gaze at the whole image. Let the entire image elicit a word, a memory, or an emotion in your heart. Take note of any thoughts, concerns, or feelings that arise within you. Continue to pay attention for a few minutes (or for as long as you are drawn), then momentarily close your eyes and rest them.
Open your eyes. Share with God whatever is in your mind and heart. Gently look at the image and ask God, “Lord what do you want to show me”. And listen; just listen. Then, briefly close and relax your eyes.
Open your eyes once more and gaze upon the image. Let yourself rest in God’s presence.
Before ending your prayer, take some time to thank God for this opportunity to learn to pray with the eyes of your heart.
Choose one of the following images to pray using Visio Divina.
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
Click here to download the PDF version of the presentation.
CONSULTATION/QUESTIONS
Contact Fr. David Romero, SJ (dromero@ChristusMinistries.org) or Fr. Tri Dinh, SJ (tdinh@ChristusMinistries.org)