Background
Lectio Divina ("Divine Reading") is a common form of prayer over Sacred Scripture that is used as a tool to unite our hearts closer to God. There is another form of meditative prayer that is similar in nature to Lectio Divina that is often overlooked. It is called Visio Divina.
Visio Divina, or “Divine Seeing" is meditative prayer involving sacred art. It involves a slow, prayerful gaze at an image as a means to lift our hearts and minds up to God. Visio Divina invites us to a deeper relationship with God using our gift of sight and imagination. The steps for praying Visio Divina are similar to Lectio Divina but includes one extra step, to gaze at the artwork.
Try out the process yourself with a classical piece of artwork. Then share the same process with your students (see ideas below).
- Visio. Gaze at the artwork. Reflect: Breathe deeply. What stands out to you? An expression, color, interaction? Look for details and the meaning of a story told by the artwork.
- Meditatio. Meditate on the image. Reflect: What is your background knowledge about the artwork? Are there any themes, colors, words that stick out to you? Put yourself in the scenery.
- Oratio. Pray with the image. Reflect: Dialogue with God about what he might be trying to reveal to you and what you see in the artwork.
- Contemplatio. Contemplate what God revealed. Reflect: Rest. Quiet your heart and conversation with God to feel his loving presence.
- Actio. Ask God how to live out this prayer Reflect: Ask God how he desires you to live out the fruit of your prayer time with him. Where is he calling you into action?
Directions for Student Activity
As this might be a new form of prayer for your students, pray Visio Divina together as a class. This can help boost confidence and show them there is no "right” or "wrong” way to pray Visio Divina. Choose a piece of art from online or from a textbook (Each chapter in the new Ave Maria Press textbook series begins with an image and description of classical art.) Or, you can bring the students to church to examine the artwork there.
You will be the students guide in the meditation while each student individually prays. At the end, allow the students to write down a few of their reflections in a notebook or journal. Then have them share (either small or large group) any insights they have learned from this type of prayer if they wish to do so.
Ideas of Sacred Art
· Stations of the Cross or any sacred art inside of a Catholic Church
· The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
· Pietà--Sculpture by Michelangelo
· The Creation of Adam—Painting by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel
· The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Further Resources:
CatholicTV offers a seven-part series that walks through Visio Divina based off artwork about the life of the Holy Family. You can pause the videos at any point as well. You can find the link to the episodes here.
Jessica Schultz
Curriculum Intern
