ART AND PRAYER
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER SERIES
Contemplative Prayer
What if a painting could lead you into prayer?
Art has a way of quieting the noise and opening the heart. This series pairs the beauty of visual artwork with the depth of Scripture to guide you into genuine conversation with God — speaking, listening, and simply resting in the Divine presence.
Rooted in the ancient practice of Visio Divina (meaning "Divine Seeing"), these episodes are more than something to watch. They're an invitation — a gentle, unhurried space for prayer and contemplation.
As Henri Nouwen beautifully put it, "Our true challenge is to return to the center, to the heart, and to find there the gentle voice that speaks to us and affirms us in a way no human voice ever could."
Three ways to enter in:
🎨 Praying With an Artist and Their Work — Full video episodes of 15–25 minutes for when you're ready to slow down and go deeper. Available on YouTube.
⏱️ 60 Seconds with an Artist and Their Work — Brief, theme-based reflections drawn from the longer episodes, perfect for a moment of pause in your day. Available on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. (On mobile? Check the video descriptions for links to the original 9×16 versions.)
📖 Text Reflections — Prefer to move at your own pace? Each episode description includes a written version of the reflection, so you can linger with the image and the words in your own time and rhythm.
These experiences are designed not just to be watched, but to move you — from the screen into prayer. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there's a place for you here.
This Week’s Episodes
Free pdf Booklets
Sign up with your email and get a free pdf booklet and be alerted when new free booklets are available.
The Series Creator
The series is created and presented by Rev. Rob McPherson, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church with over 30 years experience. His writing on art, spirituality, and contemplative practice has been featured by Progressive Christianity. He received his MDiv from United Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA from the University of Michigan in 1990. In addition he has a certificate in World Art History from Smithsonian Associates. (If you are interested, you can get one too!) Rob currently serves as the pastor of Davison United Methodist Church in Davison, MI. He produces these videos because they feed his soul and hopes that you also find them nourishing for your faith.
"Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation."
— Thomas Keating
What does the wounded angel represent? Hugo Simberg’s The Wounded Angel invites us to consider suffering, compassion, and the healing that becomes possible when we are no longer alone. Through the words of Isaiah, we explore the possibility of a wreath of flowers instead of ashes, and hope for a future we cannot yet see.
Isaiah 61:1-4
What does the wounded angel represent? Hugo Simberg’s The Wounded Angel invites us to consider suffering, compassion, and the healing that becomes possible when we are no longer alone. Through the words of Isaiah, we explore the possibility of a wreath of flowers instead of ashes, and hope for a future we cannot yet see.
Isaiah 61:1-4
Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.
Opening
Take a slow, gentle breath.
Release the stress you are carrying in your shoulders, your jaw, and your neck.
Relax your arms and your legs.
Open your heart, and invite the Spirit to dwell within you.
Reflection on Contemplative Prayer
Angels are often imagined as living beyond tears, pain, and grief. Yet Hugo Simberg offers a different vision. Here, an eternal being is wounded and cared for by earthly children.
The image suggests that even the world of the divine is vulnerable. This may lead us into prayer about healing, empathy, interdependence, cruelty, innocence, and woundedness.
Simberg intentionally left the painting open to interpretation. He did not give it a title. We call it The Wounded Angel simply to identify it.
Some see the painting as an image of the artist’s own battered soul as he recovered from meningitis. Others see compassion, judgment, or a reminder of our responsibility for suffering. Rather than settling on one meaning, let the painting speak to your life. Enter the scene with your imagination, and listen for God’s message today.
Scripture
Isaiah 61:1–4, The Inclusive Bible
The Spirit of the Exalted One is upon me, for the Exalted One has anointed me: God has sent me to bring good news to those who are poor; to heal broken hearts; to proclaim release to those held captive and liberation to those in prison; to announce a year of favor from the Exalted One, and the day of God’s vindication; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who grieve in Zion—to give them a wreath of flowers
instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of tears, a cloak of praise instead of despair.
They will be known as trees of integrity, planted by the Exalted One to display God’s glory. They will restore the ancient ruins
and build sites long devastated. They will repair the ruined cities neglected for generations.
Invite the Spirit to rest upon these words. Let their promise of healing and restoration meet the woundedness held in the image and in your life.
Artwork for Prayerful Reflection
The Wounded Angel
Hugo Simberg
This painting and the scripture acknowledge that trauma is real. As you gaze, notice the feelings and memories that arise.
Let the image become a doorway into prayer. Trust that God was with you, is with you, and will remain with you through every difficult time.
Reflection Questions
What do you notice first as you gaze at the painting?
What feelings or memories rise within you?
What does the wounded angel symbolize in your life?
How does this symbol connect with your own fears, worries, or hopes?
Who do the children represent as you consider the meaning of the image?
Where do you see compassion, responsibility, or healing in this scene?
What pain would you like to place before God?
What message does God offer you through this painting?
What do you hear as you listen for God’s healing voice?
What step toward hope or restoration are you being invited to take?
Closing
God of healing, hold every wound that has surfaced in this time of prayer. Carry us toward wholeness through the compassion of others. Give us hope for the future and strength for the journey. May there be a wreath of flowers instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of tears, and a cloak of praise instead of despair. Amen.