I’ve been practicing something called ‘icon gazing’. In ancient times, it was called visio divina. Similar to lectio divina, which could mean ‘spiritual reading’, visio divina is ‘spiritual gazing’.
The practice is basic. Select an icon that might be speaking to the circumstances of your life. Gaze at the image with the ‘eyes of your heart.’ (see Eph 1:18) Use your imagination and enter the scene in various ways. Attend to what you are feeling and follow your intuition. Ask yourself, “What is the Lord saying to me?”
I call icon gazing the “see and be seen” way of praying. Years ago, my executive mentor told me I needed to go to networking events (which I loathed) to “see and be seen.” They were important to let people see what I’m up to, and for me to see the same. It boosts connectivity and deepens relationships. As much as I didn’t want to show myself, something good resulted from my participation.
Gazing at an icon is similar. I pretend I’m part of the event instead of looking at a piece of art. I see as my eyes wander around ‘the room’, and slowly open my heart to let the image(s) in the icon see me.
Lately, I’ve spent time with Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Trinity (see image). It features three heavenly beings. In the center sits the Son, who is gazing at the Father, who in turn is gazing at the Spirit. It’s rich with detail.
Before one gazing session, my spirits were down. I was uncertain about where my future was headed. In the icon, I gleaned that the Holy Spirit might be up to something – averted eyes, head askew, and a wry little smile. It’s as if the Spirit said, “Hey, I’ve got a few surprises in store for you!” As my eyes wandered back to the Son, he said to the Father. “I love surprises.” The Father affirmed, “He’ll be delighted to see what’s next.” The experience lifted my spirits and gave me hope for an exciting journey ahead.
In another example, I was meeting with a woman who felt debilitating pain at night. I suggested she gaze at an icon of Christ’s Passion in those sleepless moments, to see Christ’s pain and let Him see yours. In our next meeting, she said the physical pain didn’t diminish but the hopelessness and despair did, and her sleep improved. The Lord even gave her a deeper appreciation of what “offering it up” means.
Icon gazing – it’s a prayer you might want to try.