This week I offer you something different. As we approach the official start of summer it is easy to see the natural world bursting forth around us. In the midst of this I invite us all to visio divina, the practice of seeing with our hearts and bodies as we look at an image. In silence may each catch a glimpse of the sacred and God speaking to us. The image I chose is not a usual one for church or even for nature photos, but may you stop, look and be present to it during the course of the week ahead. I welcome hearing your thoughts and reflections on the experience.
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To guide you, here are instructions taken from Centering Prayer for Everyone.
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As you gaze at the image, notice your breath and your body.
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Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.
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How do you feel looking at the image?
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If you had to describe the image in a sentence or two silently to yourself, what would you say?
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If you were in the image, where would you place yourself ?
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Do you get a glimpse of the sacred from this image? Is God speaking to you in this image?
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Does a name for God arise for you from this image? In silence, sit with what you have received.
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If you choose, share aloud a word or phrase to express your experience of the image.
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