I have used the spiritual practice of lectio divina – praying deeply with the word of God – for many years but haven’t ventured very much into visio divina – praying deeply with the eyes of your heart, while gazing at art and other visual images.
Until this week.
NASA just released new photographs taken with its Chandra X-Ray Observatory Space Telescope. Along with the U.N’s declaration that the year 2015 is the International Year of Light, these photos invited me into the awe of our Creator and I couldn’t contain my praise as I danced in his wonder.
Come and be dazzled with me in the Lord’s light:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8: 12
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Genesis 1:3
It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
Psalm 18:28
The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
Isaiah 60:19
What do these images say to your heart? What invitation do you hear God whisper as you contemplate the heavens?
I’m with Martha–astounded and amazed! And I love the way you paired scripture with these photos. The first one certainly portrays ethereal light, bringing to mind our God of Light. And the second one is reminiscent of a lightning bolt. I can imagine such a bolt (a galaxy wide?) bursting from God’s fingertip as he creates light. Thank you, Jean, for your example of creative worship!
amazing photos aren’t they? I just love the space ones – they take my breath away. Very powerful. What a creator we have!!
This is wonderful, Jean. I’ve been reading Simply Open (thanks to you!), and Visio Divina fits in perfectly with having open eyes and heart.
Glad you are liking the book and yes does fit well with this post. I am learning being open is a powerful practice.
I’m astounded and amazed by these photos, Jean, and overwhelmed that the God of this whole universe loves us so much. Blessings!
I too was taken by these photographs and my only response was prayer and praise. What a creator we have!!
Indeed! I’m reminded of the song “Indescribable” – “You placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name.” He knows each of us, and all He has created, by name . . .