For Lent, CKPC artists contributed pieces of art, which are on display in our “art gallery” (and we’ll leave them up after the quarantine so everyone can see them). For the next two weeks—leading up to Easter Sunday–we’ll display one of those pieces here for you to admire, and be a guide in your prayer time using a practice called “Visio Divina.”
What is Visio Divina?
Visio Divina (“Sacred Seeing”) is an ancient form of Christian prayer in which we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image, in silence, to see what God might have to say to us.
How do you do it?
(Note: these are merely guidelines and not need to be adhered to closely) Source: Upper Room.
- Look at the image and let your eyes stay with the very first thing that you see. Keep your attention on that one part of the image that first catches your eye. Try to keep your eyes from wandering to other parts of the picture. Breathe deeply and let yourself gaze at that part of the image for a minute or so.
- Now, let your eyes gaze at the whole image. Take your time and look at every part of the photograph. See it all. Reflect on the image for a minute or so.
- Consider the following questions:
- What emotions does this image evoke in you?
- What does the image stir up in you, bring forth in you?
- Does this image lead you into an attitude of prayer? If so, let these prayers take form in you. Write them down if you desire.
Now, offer your prayers to God in a final time of silence.
Easter Sunday: The Empty Tomb by Marge Keeton. Watercolor.
Holy Saturday: “A Dead Christ– Before the Joy of Resurrection” by Conrade Schwable. Monotype.
Good Friday: Untitled by Amy Brueseke. Acrylic.
Maundy Thursday: “The Garden of Gethsemane” by Tacy Boswell. Photograph.
Day 10: “On a Hill Far Away” by Roger Zegers. Wood and resin.
Day 9: “Last Supper (after da Vinci)” by Pam Haberlin. Oil.
Day 8: “Head of Christ (after Franz von Stuck)” by Bill Fulton. Watercolor.
Palm Sunday: “Entry into Jerusalem” by Lisa Stowers. Oil.
Day Six: “Do Not Be Afraid” by Pam Haberlin. Collage.
Day Five: “A Woman from the Maldives” by Mike Pickard. Graphite.
Statement from the artist: “I drew this portrait of a Christian woman from the Island of the Maldives, as a prayer, in response to a report that this small island nation was one of the worst oppressors of Christianity. It reminds us, during the Lenten season, that we are called to join the sufferings of Christ for the sake of the gospel.”
Day Four: Cross of Nails by John Kittell, metal.
Day Three: Untitled by Amy Brueseke, acrylic.
Day Two: “Crown of Thorns” by Marge Keeton, watercolor.
“Then Pilate had Jesus taken and whipped. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. 3 Over and over they went up to him and said, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.” -John 19:1-3
Day One: “Peter and John Running to the Tomb” by Carolyn Poirier, lithograph.
“She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him.” 3 Peter and the other disciple left to go to the tomb. 4 They were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and was the first to arrive at the tomb. 5 Bending down to take a look, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Following him, Simon Peter entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 He also saw the face cloth that had been on Jesus’ head. It wasn’t with the other clothes but was folded up in its own place. 8 Then the other disciple, the one who arrived at the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 They didn’t yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.”
-John 20:2-10