This Week
Water’s Edge
Resting Together
Communal Rest
Habitat of Rest
Light Breaking
Landing
Nonconforming Rest
Catnap
Journey to What
Broken
Rest In Stillness
Immanuel Conversation
The richest prayer life comes through multi-sensory connection with God. We are each wired in different ways. Some of us respond best to the written word, some to the spoken word, some to music, some to art, some to movement. We can connect to God in prayer through each of these ways. Though we may have a preferred sense through which to pray, the richest prayer life will come through experiencing God through all your senses.
~ Kathryn Shirey
Visio Divina is an opportunity for individuals to participate in "divine seeing," enabling them to establish a connection with the divine by engaging with visual representations like photographs, icons, or artwork. Through prayerful contemplation of these images, people can have a distinctive and meaningful encounter with the Father. One can engage in visio divina either individually or in a small group or worship environment, using a piece of art as a central focus for prayer. Associating the image with scripture can aid in meditating on the biblical text through the artwork.
Visio Divina Steps to Follow:
Choose an image from a website, such as a photograph, painting, or icon.
Fix your gaze on the first element of the image that captures your attention. Concentrate on that specific area without letting your eyes wander. Take deep breaths and spend approximately one minute observing that particular section.
Shift your focus to the entire image. Take your time to explore every detail of the photograph. Ponder the image for about a minute.
Reflect on the following inquiries:
- What emotions does this image stir within you?
- What thoughts or feelings does the image bring to the surface?
- Does the image prompt you to pray? If so, allow these prayers to arise within you, and consider recording them.
Conclude by offering your prayers to God in a moment of silence.
Finish with a gratitude prayer.
Day One
Water's Edge
Resting Together
Soften your gaze.
Pause and be still.
Feel the Father's presence.
Relax your body, soul, and spirit.
Open your eyes.
Gaze at the image.
Capture the details.
Let your thoughts settle.
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself
- What emotions arise as I connect with this image?
- What thoughts or feelings bubble to the surface?
- Do I feel inspired to pray and/or journal?
Offer a moment of gratitude as you pause and still yourself once again.
Day Two
Communal Rest
Habitat of Rest
Soften your gaze.
Pause and be still.
Feel the Father's presence.
Relax your body, soul, and spirit.
Open your eyes.
Gaze at the image.
Capture the details.
Let your thoughts settle.
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself
- What emotions arise as I connect with this image?
- What thoughts or feelings bubble to the surface?
- Do I feel inspired to pray and/or journal?
Offer a moment of gratitude as you pause and still yourself once again.
Day Three
Light Breaking
Divina Landing
Soften your gaze.
Pause and be still.
Feel the Father's presence.
Relax your body, soul, and spirit.
Open your eyes.
Gaze at the image.
Capture the details.
Let your thoughts settle.
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself
- What emotions arise as I connect with this image?
- What thoughts or feelings bubble to the surface?
- Do I feel inspired to pray and/or journal?
Offer a moment of gratitude as you pause and still yourself once again.
Day Four
Nonconforming Rest
Catnap
Soften your gaze.
Pause and be still.
Feel the Father's presence.
Relax your body, soul, and spirit.
Open your eyes.
Gaze at the image.
Capture the details.
Let your thoughts settle.
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself
- What emotions arise as I connect with this image?
- What thoughts or feelings bubble to the surface?
- Do I feel inspired to pray and/or journal?
Offer a moment of gratitude as you pause and still yourself once again.
Day Five
Journey to What
Broken
Soften your gaze.
Pause and be still.
Feel the Father's presence.
Relax your body, soul, and spirit.
Open your eyes.
Gaze at the image.
Capture the details.
Let your thoughts settle.
Take a deep breath.
Ask yourself
- What emotions arise as I connect with this image?
- What thoughts or feelings bubble to the surface?
- Do I feel inspired to pray and/or journal?
Offer a moment of gratitude as you pause and still yourself once again.
Day Six: Rest in stillness today.
Day Seven: Immanuel Conversation
Immanuel Conversation is a practice for deepening your relationship with God by pausing to reflect and listen for His gentle voice. This dialogue with Immanuel (“God with us”) encourages honest self-exploration and spiritual connection.
Follow these steps to open your heart to God’s voice:
Pause and Breathe: Take several deep breaths to create calm and clarity.
Express Gratitude: Share your thanks with God and invite His response.
Dear God, I am thankful for...
My beloved child, {pause and listen for God’s gentle reply}
Create a quiet space to listen to God.
I see you. {Reflect on what God observes in your feelings and sensations.}
I can hear you. {Notice the thoughts and feelings God hears within you.}
You are valued and understood. {Acknowledge God’s care and imagine His comforting words.}
I delight in you. {Consider the kindness and compassion God shares.}
I can help you. {Ponder how God may support you now.}
Review what you wrote. Pause and be still.
Close with a brief prayer of gratitude.
Share your experience with someone you trust.