What is Visio Divina?
Visio Divina (Latin for ‘divine seeing’) is a method for praying with images or other media. With our culture becoming more and more visually oriented, an intentional way of praying with images is needed now more than ever. Visio Divina invites us to see at a more contemplative pace. It invites us to see all there is to see, exploring the eternity of the image. It invites us to see deeply, beyond first and second impressions, below initial ideas, judgments, or understandings. It invites us to be seen, addressed, surprised, and transformed by God who is never limited or tied to any image, but speaks through them.
Who is this for?
This can be done individually or as a group. This can be guided or self-guided.
Method:
- In silence — look. Observe details without critique, notice the shapes, colours and effects.
- Has one part of the image drawn your attention? Why do you think that is?
- Allow unfiltered response to arise – thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories and allow God’s communication to touch you deep within where the Spirit dwells.
- What is your response? What is your prayer? Articulate any yearnings or desires that arise. Give voice to the emotion that is whirling within.
- Sit in silence with God. Drink in the stillness and be soothed by Love.
Example
Choose a piece of artwork or image or a descriptive reading.
Observe for a length of time and try to answer the following questions:
- How do these feelings connect with your life?
- What stirs within you?
- How are you being drawn to respond?
- Has your own experience been similar to what you are seeing
“Authentic God experience always expands your seeing and never constricts it… In God you do not include less and less; you always see and love more and more.”