Meditation Tools

Visio Divina:
Seeing with the Heart

Visio Divina, which is Latin for “divine seeing” is an ancient form of contemplative prayer. It is a way of inviting God to speak to you through an image, much like Lectio Divina (“divine reading”) uses scripture. It’s a practice of slowing down, looking deeply, and engaging your heart and imagination with a piece of visual art as a focal point for meditation and prayer.

The goal is not criticism or analysis, but rather to encounter the divine — to be open to what God might reveal or stir within you through the image. The most important thing to remember is that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers in Visio Divina. It's a personal encounter: Practice noticing what comes up during your time of prayer and talk to God about it.

• Images ground our prayer and help us to stay present in the moment.

• Sacred images, such as Icons, draw us into the mystery
  of the incarnation.

• Imagery fosters the use of our imagination and senses during prayer.

What is the method of
Visio Divina?

Step 1: Choose Your Image and Prepare

• Select an image: Pick any visual that you feel drawn to. It could be a religious icon, a piece of artwork, or even a meaningful photograph.

• Find a quiet space: Sit comfortably where you won't be distracted.

• Quiet your heart: Take a few deep breaths and ask for the help of the Spirit to open your "eyes of the heart" and guide your prayer.

Step 2: Visio (Seeing the Surface)

• The first look: Gaze at the entire image silently, without analysis or judgment. Let your eyes wander over the whole piece for about a minute. Notice the colors, shapes, light, setting and figures. Just receive the image.

• Focus: Let your eyes rest on whatever part of the image first catches your attention.
  Don't try to make it meaningful—just notice what draws you in.

Step 3: Meditatio (Reflecting on the whole)

• Go deeper: Focus prayerfully on the part that caught your attention.

• What emotions or thoughts arise in you?

• What relationship, story, or symbol do you see?

• If you were in the image, where would you place yourself?

• Ask yourself: What is drawing my heart?

• Listen: Ask God, "What are you trying to reveal to me through this image today?"

Step 4: Oratio (Praying with the Response)

• Respond: Enter into a heart-to-heart conversation with God based on what you saw and felt.

• Share your feelings, questions, and insights.

• Offer thanks or ask for guidance.

• Let your prayer flow naturally from your experience.

Step 5: Contemplatio (Contemplating/Resting in the Gaze)

• Rest in His presence: Let go of the words and analysis. Simply sit quietly and rest in God's loving presence. Savor the stillness and the connection you’ve made.

Step 6: Actio (Action/Living It Out)

• Application: Before you finish, consider: How is this experience inviting me to live differently today? What truth, wisdom, or action is God calling you toward? This is about carrying the fruit of your prayer into your daily life.

The most important thing to remember is that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers in Visio Divina. It's a personal encounter, and you should simply notice what comes up during your time of prayer and talk to God about it.

Resources for Visio Divina

• Gallery of Iconography written by Carmelites and others