There is a beautiful ancient practice, “Lectio Divina”, meaning “divine reading”, in which we approach the scriptures with an intent on entering in with our hearts. Our emotions and imaginations become involved in the reading, beyond our cognitive understanding, so that we receive personal invitations through the scripture, from the Living Word, Jesus himself.
There is also a similar contemplative practice, “Visio Divina”, in which we receive from God visually… through nature, through a painting or photograph. As I ponder the meaning of “icon” being anything that becomes a window through which my soul can respond to God, I think both these practices, “Lectio Divina” and “Visio Divina”, can be icons to our souls.
Here is an example of Visio Divina that I painted in my visual journal. These images I create are not meant for anything other than to express how I am experiencing God in my heart. I enjoy abstract when I create Visio Divina, because it takes me away from my head and into my heart, and because when others look at it they might see other things that I didn’t even think of. It continues to be creative in the mind and heart of the viewer. The scriptures I was meditating on were from Psalm 139 and Isaiah 43. I am moved by this thought:
“God’s gaze has always been upon me, carrying me even from my mother’s womb.” (Note: Gold, Red, and Green are representative of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)
Psalm 139:1-6 (TPT)
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
You read my heart like an open book
and you know all the words I’m about to speak
before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
and in kindness you follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
With your hand of love upon my life,
you impart a blessing to me.
This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Invitations - Gracious Hospitality for the Soul 