Prayer Gallery
“Contemplative prayer often brings us to an intimate encounter with the love of God, revealed to us in Jesus. In such an experience we come to know ever more deeply that God is not against us, but for us; not far from us, but with us; not outside of us, but deeply within.
As we take a quiet moment to reflect in a peaceful place, our minds and hearts become still and, in this stillness, become deeper and wider, inviting/unbinding the eternal quality of life in all its fullness. It is in the growing inner awareness of the eternal embrace of God that we find our true freedom.”
Henri Nouwen - Spiritual Formation
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina means “divine reading” in Latin and describes a prayer practice of listening to Scripture with the ears of the heart. Lectio is a dialogue with God through Scripture that includes the whole self: thoughts, images, memories, imagination, and guides us through the movements of reading, listening to, responding to and resting in the Word of God. It can be practised alone or with friends or others in your community.
Visio Divina
Visio Divina or ‘ sacred seeing’ is an ancient form of prayer that continues to be a powerful method of Christian meditation for us today. Art, nature, photography - and indeed all visual sources - become the places that open our hearts to an encounter with the indwelling Spirit of God. This practice can enliven everything we see as we go about our daily lives. The visible makes the invisible present in a palpable way.
Prayer Resources
Lectio Divina guide
Use the guide below to help you engage in an ancient and nourishing prayer practice. You can use this prayerful, contemplative approach to enrich your other prayer practices.
Visio Divina images
Use the images provided - and the Visio Divina guide - as a starting point for prayer. You can use Visio Divina when you’re out on a walk, watching a movie, or using your own pictures off your phone.