![]() ![]() Take several moments to let your eyes wander over the entire image and rest on it in various places, taking in what you see. Take some time to move more deeply into different sections of the icon. Notice the various colors and shapes, the different symbols. Begin by exploring the entire image with your eyes. Because we are dealing with an entirely different kind of sacred “text” it requires of us a different way of entering into the experience. The first moment in lectio is reading God’s word. Draw your attention to this sacred time you have made for yourself and be aware of your desire to grow in intimacy with God. Get in touch with your breath and your body. Take time to settle yourself into stillness. Find a place where you will not be disturbed. Prepare in a similar way as I indicated in Part One. I invite you to begin by praying with Heather’s wonderful image called “Tender Mercies.” I have always had great fondness for this icon in particular because of the great intimacy and tenderness between Mary and Jesus. If we have a sacramental vision, then any image offers us an opening onto the holy, however certain images, such as icons, offer a privileged place in our tradition for revelation. To use this way of praying, select an icon or other sacred image with which to pray. Lectio divina is one way of entering into a contemplative experience with images. The tradition of gazing upon icons as a window to God is an ancient one. There are many wonderful books available on praying with icons. She also has some great reflections on the role of icons in Orthodox tradition. Heather offers icon workshops and has affordable reproductions of her wonderful images available for purchase. The beautiful icon above is by iconographer Heather Williams Durka who lives in Olympia. “For the invisible things of God since the creation of the world are made visible through images.” Watershed Moments in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.Virtual Celtic Pilgrimage: The Wisdom of the Irish Saints Brigid, Ciaran, & Gobnait.Sacred Rhythms of Sky, Sun, Sea & Stone.Lectio Divina: The Sacred Art of Reading the World.Journey with the Desert Mothers and Fathers.Eyes of the Heart: Photography as Contemplative Practice.Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening & Awareness.Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction.Water, Wind, Earth & Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements.Lectio Divina–The Sacred Art: Transforming Words and Images into Heart-Centered Prayer.The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom.Desert Mothers and Fathers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings Annotated & Explained.Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice.Illuminating the Way: Embracing the Wisdom of Monks and Mystics.The Soul of a Pilgrim: Eight Practices for the Journey Within.The Wisdom of the Body: A Contemplative Journey to Wholeness for Women.The Soul’s Slow Ripening: 12 Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred.Earth, Our Original Monastery: Cultivating Wonder and Gratitude through Intimacy with Nature.Sacred Time: Embracing an Intentional Way of Life.Breath Prayer: An Ancient Practice for the Everyday Sacred.Birthing the Holy: Wisdom from Mary to Nurture Creativity and Renewal.Love Holds You: Poems and Devotions for Times of Uncertainty. Iconographer abbess olympia series#
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