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
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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 helps you stand strong when fear threatens to overwhelm you? In Briton Rivière’s Daniel’s Answer to the King, even the lions seem to be looking toward the morning light. Discover how the practice of prayer can help us find peace, face our fears, and find the courage to challenge what is wrong.
Daniel 6:19-23
What helps you stand strong when fear threatens to overwhelm you? In Briton Rivière’s Daniel’s Answer to the King, even the lions seem to be looking toward the morning light. Discover how the practice of prayer can help us find peace, face our fears, and find the courage to challenge what is wrong.
Daniel 6:19-23
Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.
Opening
Let us prepare for this holy time by allowing our bodies to settle.
Draw in a gentle breath, knowing it is a gift of God. Release it slowly.
Make room in your thoughts for God to speak, even when the words are quiet and hard to find.
Rest here a moment.
Reflection on Contemplative Prayer
Daniel’s story invites us to pray about courage, faith, and standing strong for what is right. His practice of praying three times a day sustained him, even when continuing to pray meant facing the lions.
As you gaze at the painting, imagine entering the scene. The night has passed. Morning light shines into the pit. Daniel stands, the lions leave him space, and the king calls out to discover whether he is alive.
Let the tension between danger and peace become part of your prayer. Bring your fears into God’s presence, and consider how God might be encouraging you to act.
Scripture
Daniel 6:19–23 (Inclusive Bible)
Darius rose very early the next morning and hurried to the lion’s den. Drawing near to the lion’s den, Darius cried out to Daniel with anguish in his voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Has the God whom you worship so constantly been able to save you from the lions?”
Daniel answered, “O Darius, ruler of Babylon, may you live forever! My God has sent an angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me. For I have been found innocent before the Most High. Nor have I ever done any harm to you, my ruler!”
Darius joyfully ordered Daniel to be removed from the den, unhurt because he trusted in God.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to be present as we listen and look. Allow the words of scripture to meet what you see in the painting and what you carry in your life.
Artwork for Prayerful Reflection
Daniel’s Answer to the King — Briton Rivière
Look slowly at Daniel, the lions, and the morning light. Let the light invite reflection on God’s presence, and let the upward gazes draw you toward prayer. Remember that the lions, too, belong to God’s creation.
Reflection Questions
What words or phrases from the scripture draw your attention?
What do you notice as you look closely at Daniel, the lions, and the light?
What feelings arise as you imagine yourself within this scene?
How does the morning light shape your prayer about God’s presence?
What fears or experiences of injustice do you want to bring into conversation with God?
As you gaze, what is God stirring within you?
As you ask the Holy Spirit to clarify these stirrings, what message begins to emerge?
When you return to the painting, what details deepen what you are hearing?
Where might a more consistent practice of prayer help you face your fears with greater calm?
What invitation will you carry from this time of prayer into your day?
Closing
God of peace, thank you for your presence with us. Help us keep our eyes fixed upon you. Sustain us in prayer, give us courage to stand for what is right, and renew our strength for the day ahead. Let us rest in your love, you who made us and walk with us. Amen.