Visio divina literally means “divine seeing.” A more approachable way to describe it is to say “seeing with the heart.” For centuries Christians have practiced visio divina as one form of prayer by gazing upon a religious painting referred to as an icon. As a person prayerfully absorbs what is being seen and what the painter and the Spirit is trying to convey through the painting, new spiritual insights may occur. This is not a forced work of the imagination, it is instead an openness of heart, and it is prayer whether or not an insight emerges.
If you are not accustomed to praying in this manner, I invite you to suspend your mental judgment and practice this spiritual discipline with your heart because that is how it is intended.
Perhaps the most well-known icon is the Christ Pantocrator below.
This is the oldest known icon, dated in the 6th century AD, and therefore, the one believed to be the closest to the actual time of Christ. With a casual observation, you notice the eyes are different. Perhaps with sanctified imagination, some have interpreted the left side of Christ’s face (as he is facing you) as his human side and the right side as his divine side. As your heart gazes into his eyes, you may see that he is returning a loving gaze upon you, his beloved. His right hand is raised in blessing as his left arm embraces a book of the four Gospels.
Another form of visio divina that is more contemporary, is to prayerfully meditate upon God’s creation through photography. Contemplative photography is my passion. Using a photograph as a focal point for prayer allows you to experience the divine in a unique and powerful way .
I have placed a number of my contemplative photos on my website, https://www.glover-wetheringtonphotography.com. Instructions are posted there on how to prayerfully savor the beauty of God’s presence through creation.