Visio Divina -"Divine Seeing"

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” – Psalm 119:18

What is Visio Divina?

• A prayerful way of meditating on sacred art or images.
• Helps children reflect on God’s presence visually

In school, Visio Divina:

• Encourages Deeper Reflection – It helps children notice details, emotions, and themes in sacred images, guiding them to a deeper understanding of faith.

• Fosters Contemplative Prayer – It teaches stillness, focus, and attentiveness to God’s presence through art.

• Develops Imaginative Engagement – Encouraging children to place themselves in a scene (e.g., a Gospel story depicted in a painting) makes Scripture more meaningful.

• Links to Catholic Tradition – The Church has a rich tradition of sacred art, and Visio Divina helps children appreciate how beauty reveals God’s truth.

• Encourages Personal Interpretation – It allows children to explore how God speaks to them individually through what they see and feel.

How we practice Visio Divina:

• Choose an Image: A religious painting, icon, stained glass, or nature photo.
• Look Closely: Ask children to study the image in silence for 30 seconds.
• Reflect: Ask guiding questions:
  • What do you notice first?
  • What emotions does this image bring?
  • Where do you see God in this image?
• Pray: Invite children to respond to God through silent or spoken prayer.