STATION 1: VISIO DIVINA

We look at an image with the eye of the heart. As we gaze, present to an image without any particular agenda, we allow it to speak to us in words or wordlessly with a divine voice.

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.

Instructions for visio divina:

1. Close your eyes, breathe, clear your mind, and ask God to enter into this time of prayer with you.

2. Ask God to speak to you through this image.

3. Gaze at the image and allow the Image to Speak to Your Heart

4. Let your eyes pause and focus on the part of the image they’re first drawn to.

5. Gaze upon just that part of the image for a minute or two.

6. Then close your eyes, still seeing that part of the image in your mind.

7. What does this make you feel? Why are you drawn to this part of the image?

8. Open your eyes and reflect on the entire image

9. Gaze upon all of the image, allowing it to draw forth a word, an emotion, or an image in your heart.

10. What do you hear God whispering into your heart? What thoughts or questions is this image raising? What emotions do you feel?

11. Close out your time with this image with a prayer of gratitude or whatever you feel led to pray to God.