Visio Divina Series

For this Visio Divina Series,

We will use three different methods of Visio for this task. You may choose to use just one method or try all three to see which works best for you. Detailed directions are provided under each visual to guide you through the process step by step.

1. Words in my heart

Painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898

What is the Lord drawing out in your heart and mind as you carefully observe the visual before you? Write the words that come to your heart and mind naturally. Allow them to flow freely without judgment or hesitation. Then, gently transform those words into a sincere prayer.

2. Visualize deeply what is truly in your heart.

Reflect on the Bible verse: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." John 6:68.

Take a blank sheet of paper and thoughtfully draw out what you have read, allowing your thoughts and feelings to flow freely onto the page. This practice can help you connect more meaningfully with the message.

3.Be creative.

Click image to download

Here is a coloring page for you to enjoy and relax with. Print it out and take some quiet, uninterrupted moments to carefully color it in. As you focus on the colors and the simple, soothing activity, pay attention to the conversations you might have with God or the thoughts that come to mind during this peaceful time. Allow your creativity to flow freely as you fill in the page. What is God saying to you through this gentle experience?

For this one, take your time—it may take several days or more. You will recognize when it is fully complete.

Please let me know how it goes when you try it. I have done all three myself, and I find the experience to be very spiritually gratifying and uplifting.

Review:

For those who are not familiar with what Visio Divina is, please refer to the explanation provided below.

Visio divina invites the viewer into "divine seeing." Visio divina shares roots with the ancient practice of lectio divina. (Lectio divina calls for a slow, careful interaction with scripture through meditation and prayer, allowing a word or phrase to rise in our consciousness, a holy word to savor and examine.) Similarly, visio divina invites us to encounter the divine through images. A prayerful consideration of and interaction with a photograph, an icon, a piece of art, or other visual representation allows the viewers to experience the divine in a unique and powerful way.

" Ave Maria, Totus tuus" or "Totally yours"

Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.

Peace and Grace.