Spiritual Disciplines: Visio Divina
OK! Visio Divina is probably one of my favorite disciplines! Visio Divina is a latin phrase for ‘divine seeing’. It’s one of my favorites because it can be done anywhere at any time. We just need to be curious as we sit with the Lord and ask Him about what we are seeing, and then allow Him to teach us about what He has drawn our attention to. It's a simple practice that turns your inner awareness to the Lord, but also helps us see how our surroundings glorify the Lord.
This is most easily done in nature, but can be done with artwork or any object of beauty or creation. Here are a couple of examples from times I have practiced this: Once the Lord invited me to look at a beautiful Japanese maple in my backyard. It was a lovely spring day, and it was rooted so firmly in the ground as it blew in the breeze. The Lord showed me how that tree spoke of what it means to be rooted in Him and still reach to the heavens in exaltant praise. He spoke of how my movements in worship are just as important to Him as the movements of the branches and leaves in the breeze. It helped me understand how my worship affects His Father’s heart.
Another time, I was with friends pondering a painting by Marc Chagall of a bridal couple floating over a sea of beautiful foliage. I asked God what He wanted me to see and He pointed out the sweet embrace of the couple as He spoke over me about how beloved I am. He reminded me of a passage from Song of Solomon 8:6-7 that says, “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire,like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” That passage spoke numerous truths for me in the weeks and months ahead.
So give it a try! And open yourself to God’s presence and voice wherever you find yourself. Here are some specific ideas, But each idea can be done alone or even in a group!
Alone:
Find a beautiful and quiet place to sit outside.
Ask the Lord to highlight something specifically to you.
What draws your attention? Let your thoughts get curious…
Ask the Lord why He chose to point you to this scene and listen…
Is there a scripture you need to ponder with this view?
With a friend:
Invite a friend to sit quietly with you and view a piece of art in your home
Ask the Lord to speak to you about His glory as it shines through the piece
Listen for His voice and let your mind be curious…
Is there any scripture that comes to mind?
Share with your friend what you received and listen to what they received
What did you both gain by doing this together?