Visual Contemplation: A Guide
Recently, I attended a workshop that discussed creative worship practices, and we ended our time together with visual contemplation.
Some have called this practice Visio Divina, which is based on the term Lectio Divina. While the latter involves listening to scripture, the former involves reflection through images. Visio Divina is a recent term, but visual contemplation has long been a part of church history – whether it was through icons or stained glass. Visuals of saints or Bible stories drew congregants into prayer and reflection.
At the workshop, we were shown an image of “Democracy”, a carving of the Makonde Clan.
Then, we were walked through different steps – from breathing to praying to observing our thoughts and feelings. Finally, we ended our time with discussion. I was most fascinated by the wide variety of responses, even though the subject of our meditation was the same.
One person was reminded of the verse “how beautiful are the feet of those who share good news.” This was significant to her because of her previous experience in the mission field. To others, the image evoked words like “starved” and “disordered words.” To me, the image evoked the feeling of risky steps into the unknown. This makes sense, because as someone who is constantly inventing while our ministry grows, most days feel like a step forward in the dark.
Visual contemplation drew out each individual’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Art reflected our hearts back to us, and God met us in the process.
Now, why exactly is visual art such an effective meditation tool? It isn’t quite like Lectio Divina, which is a very thorough contemplation of repeated Scripture. But it’s more akin, I think, to why we love to meditate on nature.
I’ve heard from so many different Christians that nature is their favorite way to connect with God. I think it’s because when we’re in nature, we step into a creative space that is different from our normal. Something about the sensations and textures and colors grounds us, and something about the spaciousness opens up our hearts. Here, we can hear our thoughts and invite God near.
Visual art is similar – creative, unfamiliar spaces that are rich with sensations, textures, colors. They are complex and yet open to interpretation. And something about this openness draws us into wonder, and when we wonder, we discover where we are. Here, we are vulnerable, and we can meet God in a different way.
So I wanted to offer visual contemplation as a resource. I’ve broken down the steps below, and included a picture for practice. Take time to reflect on the Charis-Kairos by Makoto Fujimura, and observe how your heart is reflected back to you.
Pick an image — a photograph, painting, or icon. (It doesn’t have to be religious.)
Close your eyes. Notice your breath, and take some time to pray. Ask God to speak to you through the painting.
Open your eyes. What is the first thing you are drawn to? Gaze for 1-2 minutes. Take note of your thoughts and feelings.
Now look at the whole picture and take some time to reflect. Allow it to evoke emotions or words.
Close your eyes. Allow the image to speak to you – what thoughts, questions, or emotions are you experiencing?
Open your eyes. Pray whatever prayer is forming in your heart, and continue to look at the image as you pray.
