Find something– a tree out the window or a person next to you– to study for a moment. Take stock of details in appearance and find something you think is amazing. Then, keep reading.

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One of the disciplines I love to incorporate in retreats is Visio Divina, latin for “Divine Seeing.” Visio Divina is the practice of prayerfully gazing upon something and noticing God’s beauty, goodness, and truth in it. 

It’s a practice that can be done with anything you see– nature, paintings, people. Jesus advises His listeners to watch the birds of the air, for they have things to teach us about trusting your Heavenly Father to provide. He says to study the beauty in each lily because in contemplating how God tenderly dresses the flowers, it may dawn on you that He will care even more preciously for us. 

Obviously, Visio Divina is lovely as an intentional practice, but as a mom of three kids under four years old, I often find myself accidentally practicing it. In other words, though I may not have a lot of silent contemplative time, I look at my sleeping baby or snuggling preschooler and can’t help but tell God how amazed I am by His attention to detail and incredible craftsmanship. Just look into someone’s eyes and tell me their irises don’t provoke awe!

Visio Divina

So if you want to experience the kind of wonder that comes from pausing long enough to finally see what’s around you, here’s a guide to Visio Divina. Pick something to observe and get started!

Step 1: Notice. What do you see? What is the big picture? What little details do you notice as you pay attention? What colors do you see? Are there different hues of the same color? Use the next few minutes to take it all in slowly.

Step 2: Meditate on what you see. Let your gaze linger on anything that stands out to you. What feelings are evoked in you? How do you sense God’s love through this?

Step 3: Open yourself to God. Breathe in and out slowly. Gaze again upon it, and ask the Lord if there’s something He wants to communicate or bring to your attention. That still, small voice might be a whisper, a feeling, or an idea in your head that doesn’t feel like your own.

Step 4: Respond. What kind of prayer arises in you as you ponder what you see? Respond to God with whatever honest words or feelings come up.

Two More Options

While above is a “formal” structure, you can also just look at something and contemplate it. Sit in silence while you look. Talk to God about it after a few minutes. See it as a piece of God’s intentional work. Let wonder fill you.

If you’d like to try a video-led Visio Divina, this is one led by one of my favorite artists, Bette Dickinson. She also created a book of Visio Divinas on her series of Advent paintings that were extremely helpful for me in a spiritually dry season.

Your Turn

I highly recommend trying Visio Divina out in nature. Go for a walk and begin to notice all the glorious pieces in creation. 

What did you think? Where do you want to try Visio Divina next? Comment below!