As a way to revive the use of art in prayer, the author, Comboni Missionary Fr. Raul Tabaraza from the Philippines, explores the method of Visio Divina. “Paintings can transform our prayers into a personal dialogue with the Lord.”
Lectio Divina, commonly known as “divine reading,” “holy reading,” or “spiritual reading,” was one of the most well-known forms of prayer in the early centuries. In the early 6th century, Benedict of Nursia formalised the practice of Lectio Divina. It is a contemplative way of praying with Scripture to foster closeness and communion with God.
Lectio Divina is also a spiritual exercise, aimed at gaining insights into a Sacred text or into a phrase or word within it that touches the soul of the person praying. Most importantly, through Lectio Divina, we invite the Holy Spirit to lead us to a deeper understanding of the Word of God in our personal lives.
From Lectio Divina comes Visio Divina, often called “divine seeing” or “holy seeing,” which runs parallel to Lectio Divina. In this form of prayer, we use a piece of art, an icon, or other spiritual-visual creation as a tool for contemplation and to deepen our prayer and appreciation of God’s presence in our lives. We use art as a bridge to strengthen our connection with God. We also create art as an expression of prayer; paintings can transform our prayers into a personal dialogue with the Lord.
Creativity is a gift from God, and painting or any other form of art is a sacred space where silent prayers take visual form. Painting transcends words; it has the power to allow us to express ourselves beyond cultural, personal and emotional boundaries.
Praying and painting in silence make us more attuned to finer aspects of life. It is a way of finding God through art. Creating our prayers in art allows the Holy Spirit to work wonders through our artwork, as if guiding our hand or whispering in our ear while we work. There is a sense of mystery and mystical experience in how colours blend, how brushstrokes create beauty and how shapes are formed.
If we are aware of the power of art, we recognise that God – as a transcendental reality – remains with us throughout the creative process. When prayer is fully transferred onto canvas, new strength is discovered and confidence grows with each piece finished.
In Visio Divina, by integrating art into prayer, we develop a greater appreciation for sight and imagination, especially in our relationship with God.
Through sacred art, Visio Divina also offers a powerful opportunity for our younger generations to encounter God in prayer. As our culture becomes increasingly visually oriented, praying with fingertips and images becomes essential and provides young people with a more contemplative space.
Visio Divina, as a form of contemplative prayer, is for everyone. This union of art and spirituality enhances the meditative and powerful experience of prayer. It strengthens our connection with God and allows us to experience the divine mystically.
By making Visio Divina a regular habit, we can experience the beauty of sacred art more fully and grow closer to God. Unknowingly, we become His masterpiece.
