Three
By Lisa Shirk | @LisaTShirk
You're invited to observe this watercolor, Three, as you prayerfully consider the questions below. You may linger here for several minutes. (Click on image to expand.)
Three, Lisa Shirk, Watercolor on paper
Click on image to open lightbox.
The Practice of Visio Divina (Download a printer-friendly format of this prompt. )
We invite you to apply this prompt to any visual image or scene throughout Advent for a deeper experience of seeing at a contemplative pace.
Visio divina is the practice of "divine seeing.” A sister to lectio divina ("divine reading"), visio divina allows us to see with a different part of ourselves, often illuminating truths we might otherwise miss. This prayer practice will best be enjoyed in a place free from distraction.
Open your heart and mind to God.
Look beyond your 1st & 2nd impressions.
Gaze at the image and let feelings and thoughts come as you look at line, form, color, textures, figures.
Pause and reflect.What does it look like, or remind you of? What do you find yourself drawn to? What do you like and not like? What feelings are evoked?
In this initial stage of your prayer, simply notice these responses without judgment or evaluation. New, deeper, expanded thoughts and feelings may come.
Pause and reflect.
Be aware of what assumptions you bring to the image.
No matter what your response is -- delight, disgust, indifference, confusion -- ponder prayerfully the reason for your various responses and what these responses might mean for you.
Pause and reflect.
As you go deeper, what does the Spirit want to express, evoke, or make known to you in your quiet meditation?
Are you being invited into a new or different way of being?
Pause and reflect.
How do you find yourself wanting to respond to what you are experiencing? Respond.
Take these responses with you into your day. Allow the Spirit's incarnational character to be revealed to you throughout the day.
