instructions for Visio Divina
Visio divina is a form of divine seeing in which we prayerfully invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. As you gaze at an image, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection, some of which may speak to you, while others you may choose to ignore. At the end of the visio divina, you will be invited to share a word or phrase to express your experience of the image.
As you gaze at the image, notice your breath and your body.
Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.
How do you feel looking at the image?
If you had to describe the image in a sentence or two silently to yourself, what would you say?
If you were in the image, where would you place yourself ?
Do you get a glimpse of the sacred from this image? Is God speaking to you in this image?
Does a name for God arise for you from this image? In silence, sit with what you have received.
If you choose, share aloud a word or phrase to express your experience of the image.
These instructions are taken from the book Centering Prayer for Everyone.
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Centering Prayer for Everyone: With Readings, Instructions, and Programs for Home and Group Practice is a welcoming, accessible, and practical guide focusing on five practices - lectio divina, visio divina, walking meditation, chanting the Psalms, and especially the silent practice of centering prayer. This inclusive handbook explicitly welcomes everyone to these practices whatever their beliefs or doubts.
Includes a concise guide to visio divina, prayer programs for home and group use incorporating visio divina, and a guide for prayer group leaders.
Read more about Centering Prayer for Everyone.