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 17–25 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 BA from the University of Michigan in 1990. He 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 would it feel like to have Jesus kneel before you and wash your feet? Guided by the reflections of St. Ambrose, we imagine Christ cleansing not only our feet, but "the footsteps of our souls."
John 13:3-5
What would it feel like to have Jesus kneel before you and wash your feet? Guided by the reflections of St. Ambrose, we imagine Christ cleansing not only our feet, but "the footsteps of our souls."
John 13:3-5
Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.
Opening
Prepare yourself for an encounter with Christ.
Adjust how you are sitting. Let your body settle. Stretch if you need to.
Breathe.
Be present, knowing that Christ is with you.
Reflection on Contemplative Prayer
Spend time with these words from St. Ambrose’s work On the Holy Spirit, chapter 6:
Let us turn now to the Gospel. There I find the Lord laying aside his garments, wrapping himself with a towel, pouring water into a basin, and washing the disciples' feet.
This water was that heavenly dew. It was foretold that the Lord Jesus Christ would wash the feet of his disciples with this heavenly dew. Let the feet of our minds now be stretched out before him. The Lord Jesus desires to wash our feet as well, for he says not only to Peter but to every believer: "If I do not wash your feet, you have no part with me."
Come then, Lord Jesus. Lay aside the garments you put on for my sake. Be stripped, that you may clothe us with your mercy. Gird yourself with a towel for our sake, that you may gird us with the gift of immortality. Pour water into the basin. Wash not only our feet but also our heads; not only our bodies but also the footsteps of our souls.
How great is this act of love! As a servant, you wash the feet of your disciples; as God, you send dew from heaven. Nor do you wash their feet only, but you also invite us to sit with you. By the example of your own dignity, you urge us on, saying:
"You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."
Therefore, I also desire to wash the feet of my siblings. I desire to fulfill the commandment of my Lord. I will not be ashamed, nor will I disdain what he himself first did.
Scripture
John 13:3–5, Inclusive Bible
Jesus, knowing that God had put all things into his own hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, rose from the table, took off his clothes, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
He then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around his waist.
Artwork for Prayerful Reflection
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet, Chen Yuandu
As you gaze at the painting, let the image become a doorway into prayer. Notice Christ at the center of service, and notice those gathered around him. Place yourself in the room. Witness this moment of holy cleansing.
Reflection Questions
What first draws your attention as you look at Chen Yuandu’s painting?
What do you notice in the faces and bodies of the disciples?
What thoughts, worries, or social conventions might be distracting them in this moment?
Where do you find yourself in the image?
What does it mean for you to witness this moment of holy cleansing?
As Christ looks toward you, what words do you sense he may be speaking?
What part of your life needs the cleansing mercy of Christ, like heavenly dew?
What act of service is Christ calling you toward today?
How has this encounter with Christ prepared you for that act of service?
Spend one more minute resting in Christ’s presence.
Closing
Come, Lord Jesus. Wash not only our feet, but the footsteps of our souls. Cleanse the path behind us and prepare the way ahead. Teach us to receive your mercy and to serve others with the same love you have shown us. Amen.