Praying with Icons and Images

Visio Divina

Rita King introduces us to praying with an icon.*

Iconography is considered sacred 'text' in a more literal way than other images; in fact, the proper way to speak about the ritual of creating an icon is to say that one is 'writing' it.

Lectio Divina is one way of entering more deeply into an experience of prayer with an icon.  Known as Visio Divina, it means 'sacred seeing'. 

 The Christ of the Deisis restored

Photo taken by Betty Swierk, 2008

2 minutes: 

Gaze upon the Icon

Explore the entire icon with your eyes, noticing colors, shapes, figures, and symbols.  Then, look more deeply at various sections of the icon, and its subtleties.  Become aware of anything that particularly seeks out your attention, challenges you, or invites you to more deeply reflect.  Rest your eyes upon that place.  Become aware of an aspect of the icon that is touching your heart.  

5 minutes:   

Respond to the Icon

How is God speaking to you through this icon?  Explore what is behind the symbols, images, and your feelings.  

Take time to write down your questions, understandings, or longings.

Through the process that you just completed, what word or phrase emerges?

Take time to write down a word or phrase that emerges for you.  

2 minutes: 

Rest in response to your word or phrase

Close your eyes and surrender to God's presence with your word or phrase.   

* Many thanks to Rita King, who adapted this process from Paintner and Wynkoop's Lectio Divina.