Visio Divina is the practice of “Holy seeing”. For some of us, we are aided in our prayer life not only when we read or hear the Scriptures, but when we gaze upon images that depict the Scriptures and the people that inhabit the Biblical story, or when we reflect upon God’s creation. If you have churches or retreat centers near you with images of Scripture, consider taking a field trip one day and sitting with some of these images in your prayer time with Jesus. Especially if you are of a sensate spiritual temperament, you may find such prayerful reflection to be very fruitful. (If you don’t know what the sensate spiritual temperament is, read here.)
In the meantime, you can find some photos of icons, stained glassed representations of the Biblical accounts, other images of faith, and God’s beautiful Creation that I have taken over the years that may aid you in your prayer time with God. Sit with one of them and ask yourself: “What does this image reveal about God? Humanity? Myself in relationship to God?” Then take these reflections into a prayerful conversation with God.
Also in the future, look for a growing collection of these photos. Additionally, look for an explanation of icons, a very particular kind of Christian image that believers have been gazing upon for the past two millennia.
Click on the photos for the full image.
God’s Creation
(To reflect more on the Creation and God the Creator, check out the following collection of photos.)
Stained Glass
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- Jesus knocks at the door: Stained glass window at First Baptist Church, Salem, MA
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- Jesus Praying in Gethsemane: Stained glass window in First Baptist Church, Salem, MA
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- Jesus blessing the children: Stained glass windows at First Baptist Church, Salem MA
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- Taking Jesus off the cross: stained glass at Christ the Redeemer, Danvers MA
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- Jesus crucified: stained glass at Christ the Redeemer, Danvers MA
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- Jesus Carrying the Cross: stained glass at Christ the Redeemer, Danvers MA
Icons
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- “Christ the Teacher”/Light of the World.
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- Theotokos – Tender Mercy (Mary with Jesus)
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- Jesus Christ Crucified
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- The Transfiguration
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- Jesus Christ crucified
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- Elijah fed by the raven
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- Icon of the Trinity/Abraham hosts the 3 Visitors
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- “Christ the Teacher”/The Alpha and the Omega
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- Nativity of Our Lord
Mosaics and Other Images of Jesus
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- Jesus Carrying the Cross: Part of the Stations of the Cross at the Mission in Santa Barbara, CA
Crosses
