Visio Divina

Visio Divina ‘lectio Divina 

I was first introduced to lectio Divina when I was at Worship Academy, and Andrew Bromley was talking about going back to the original and looking at ways we can read the bible. He talked about the history and how it’s been used and now how it’s still an ancient practice and how he uses it. 

I then came  accross people who use the lectio method for drawing and how it can be used for drawing. Here I have done a series of you tube videos taking you through each step.i have done each step so you don’t have to pause the video and try to find steps. And also you can take a breather in between eachAnd then there’s also no schedule that’s strict. So if the process take you a week that is also great. 

https://youtu.be/2kN_ed3TEzw  You tube link to introduction. 

https://youtu.be/amITtU86J60 You tube link to step 1

https://youtu.be/guukxups33o  You tube link to step no 2 

https://youtu.be/uEzKimQ7LsM you tube link to step 3

https://youtu.be/XD8hYN5M2R0 You tube link to step 4

Lectio Divina  ( reading the divine)

Lectio is an ancient method of reading the bible that is first recorded as being used in the C3rd where Ambrose teaches this method to Augustine  of Hippo. 

It’s a  communal process but can be used at home alone.

Listen

First of all one person reads the bible passage  and the rest listen . Pause before you communally read the passage together

.Read

have another short pause, then you read  it silently waiting for one word or phrase to speak to us in our heart. Often it just feels that that one word stands out amongst the rest.that one word or phrase is singing to you.

Contemplate/respond

And then you prayerfully contemplate the phrase at this point that you can respond with a creative act.

 Rest and share  .

 We sit with what we have created and contemplate what the conversation has been to us personally.after this we share what God had spoken to us about.It always amazes me what God has spoken to each person. 

Visio Divina 

You can do this visually, and this is called Visio divina ( seeing the divine)

This process can be used with images 

Gazing

First of all  wander  around taking in the entire exhibition. But just letting your gaze rest lightly on each picture.read/listen to the poetry 

Receiving

Then go through the exhibition again but this time be open to notice the things that  speak to you it maybe just a colour, a line, a stroke, the way someone has drawn the piece,  but go around again there is no time limit to this. taking note of anything that speaks to you. 

Responding

Now go  back to your notes and asked God what was it I was looking at and respond with your own original creative work. What was the invitation ? Was it a colour or a line ? The subject?

Resting

Finally you take what you have been inspired to create  and contemplate what the conversation has been between the art work created and God and where has Gods voice been. At this point you may like to share your work. As often when we share work with others it leads  to further revelation not just for ourselves but for others to

. 

 Thankyou for  viewing the exhibition and taking part using Visio Divina. I’ve written these notes as an aid for your own future reference as well.