During Black History Month, C4SO celebrates artist Laura James, whose religious art is at the forefront of the movement toward a more inclusive representation of Biblical figures. On each Sunday during February, as well as Ash Wednesday, we have licensed one of Laura’s paintings/icons to illuminate one of the lectionary readings. Below are questions and prompts for you to do Visio Divina, or “sacred seeing,” an ancient form of Christian prayer in which we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image to see what God might have to say to us.
Painting Lord, to Whom Shall We Go? (2012) by Laura James
Lectionary Reading | Sunday, February 7: Matthew 28:16-20: “The Great Commission”
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Visio Divina | Instructions
PRAY: Open your heart, mind, body to God. Pray, “Open the eyes of my heart Lord” (Ephesians 1:17). Or “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
QUICK LOOK: Look at the image for the day. Observe your initial reaction, your reflexive thoughts or memories. Are you drawn to anything in the image? This is time for non-judgmental observation of the image and yourself. Simply notice, become aware in the moment, allowing the image to capture your imagination.
READ: Take a moment and read the associated scriptures. With the image in your mind let the words of scripture begin to highlight aspects of the image or initial thoughts you had about it.
DEEP LOOK: Look again at the image. Observe the forms, figures, colors, textures and movements at work. What jumps out to you? What draws you in, what stirs indifference or even disdain? How is it connected to the scripture? Again, gently notice the feelings, thoughts, memories, reactions that are rising to your surface. How might you describe the image? How might you describe how you feel looking at the image?
ASK: Ask that the Lord would speak. What might He want to say to you? How might He want to form you in these moments? Ask God to clarify what has stood out, and why is the Spirit drawing your attention in this way?
RECORD: Write down some of your observations, thoughts, feelings, or reactions to the image and scripture.
LOOK & PRAY: As you look at the image a final time, ask the Lord if there is anything you missed. Let your eye gaze over the image and see if anything new stands out. If it does, look deep again.
RESPOND: Ask God how you should respond to his word to you in these moments. Wonder with God how you could act on what you have noticed and heard. Ponder how this encounter with God might form you. Does your response have any tangible action associated with it? Confession? Repentance? Gratitude? Praise? Forgiveness? Lament? Service?
WRITE: You might write down a word or phrase that captures your experience. It can also be helpful to record more details of your experience after the initial word or phrase. Add to what you’ve already written. Document your gratitude and your need for help and guidance as you continue on your day.