‡ A Liturgy of Sight

An Anglican Visio Divina

Introduction

Visio Divina (Divine Seeing) is a method of prayer that treats sacred art as a "Visual Word." This practice invites you to move beyond an aesthetic critique and into a prayerful conversation with the Creator.

While a digital image is a sufficient window, this liturgy is best experienced in the presence of an actual physical work of art.

I. The Preparation

Before you begin, still your body and mind. Take several deep breaths, acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit and pray the Collect for Purity.

The Collect for Purity "Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Collect on the Scriptures "Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen."

Opening Scripture

Read the Holy Scripture from Ephesians allowing the Holy Scriptures to prepare your eyes to observe the beauty of the Lord.

Ephesians 1:17–19

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."

II. The Movements

1. Behold (Visio)

Read Scripture and one or both collects then observe the artwork in front of you. After, simply notice colors, shapes, and figures without judging. Observe the image slowly (1 minute). Let your eyes wander over the entire frame. What colors, shapes, or figures catch your eye? Do not analyze; simply notice.

Scripture: Psalm 119:18 — "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

For Joy in God’s Creation "O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

The Collect for Guidance "Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

2. Reflect (Meditatio)

Read Scripture and one or both collects then focus on the part of the image that draws you most. Where does your eye keep returning? What emotion does it stir? What is God saying to your heart through this visual word?

Scripture: Psalm 27:8 — "You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to you, 'Your face, Lord, do I seek.'"

The Collect for a Focused Mind "Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

The Collect for Quiet Confidence "O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

3. Pray (Oratio)

Read Scripture and one or both collects then speak to the Lord. Tell Him your fears, joys, or questions that this observation has surfaced. Offer Him your "Amen" to whatever He is showing you.

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24 — "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

The Collect for Grace and Protection "O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

A Collect for Mission "Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen."

4. Rest (Contemplatio)

Read Scripture and one or both collects then put the image aside and rest in the silence of God’s presence. Simply rest in the presence of God, who looks upon you with love. Let the image be a window through which you sit in His presence.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 — "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

III. Closing Prayers

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." — Saint Augustine

The Prayer of St. Chrysostom "Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen."

IV. Dismissal

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

The Grace (2 Corinthians 13:14)

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen."