excerpt from a Post in Monastic
Spirituality
by Christine Valters Paintner
The tradition of gazing upon icons as a window to God
is an ancient one. Lectio divina is one way of entering into
a contemplative experience with images. To use this way
of praying select an icon or other sacred image with which
to pray. If we have sacramental vision, then any image offers
us an opening onto the holy, however certain images, such as
icons, offer a privileged place in our tradition for revelation.
Prepare by finding a olace where you will not be
disturbed.
Take time to settle yourself into stillness. Get in touch with your
breath and your body. Relish the silence. Draw your attention
to this sacred time you have made for yourself and be aware
of your desire to grow in intimacy with God.
The first moment in lectio is reading God's word.
Because we
are dealing with an entirely different kind of sacred "text" it
requires of us a different way of entering in to the experience.
Begin by exploring the entire image with your eyes. Notice the
various colors and shapes, the different symbols. Take some
time to move deeply into different sections of the icon. Take
several moments to let your eyes wander over the entire image
and rest on it in various places, taking in what you see. Allow your
gaze to deepen, to see the subtleties in shadow and expression.
as you move your gaze slowly around the image begin to
notice if there is something in particular about this icon that
is beginning to really capture your gaze. Be aware of any
particular place that call to you, challenge you, invite you into
deeper reflection. Let your eyes be drawn to this place on
the image, take a few moments to take this in and really be
present to it.
Now allow the place on the icon that has captured your
gaze to
draw you more deeply into the experience of it. Allow it to un-
fold in your imagination and notice if it evokes any memories, or
feelings, or other images. Become aware of what this part of
the icon touches in you in all the ways you might experience that
touch. What is the invitation present in the unfolding of images,
memories, and feelings for you today? How is God speaking to
your life in this moment through this icon? What is the 'yes" within
you that is longing to be expressed? Take some time to explore
your responses through journaling. Release all the words and
images that have flooded your heart. After your have completed
your journal time, go back to the icon one more time and just
gaze on it for a moment again. This time take in the whole image
and just notice if anything else leaps out to you the speaks to
your experience. Off a prayer of thanks for the gift of this time
and for God's presence in beauty and stillness.
Enter the Icon Gallery
