Join Rev. Rob McPherson in prayer with William H. Johnson’s Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, a powerful vision of God’s presence amid suffering and hope. Where does your heart linger in this vibrant scene? What might God be calling you to do, and how does God assure you in the task?

The Spiritual "Ezekiel Saw De Wheel"

In this episode of Art and Prayer, Rev. Rob McPherson invites us to pray with William H. Johnson’s vibrant painting Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, inspired by an African American spiritual and the biblical vision of the prophet Ezekiel. The artwork captures the moment Ezekiel falls to his knees, overwhelmed by a divine vision of wheels within wheels and the glory of God filling all creation—heaven and earth, day and night, suffering and renewal.

Rob guides us to move beyond analyzing the image literally and instead to use it as a way to encounter God’s presence, much like Ezekiel did. We are invited to listen deeply, opening our senses to God’s nearness, and to reflect on themes of slavery and liberation, suffering and resistance, death and resurrection that echo both in the spiritual and our world today.

As the spiritual song is read aloud twice, Rob encourages us to listen not just to the words but for God’s voice behind them. We look within the painting to find a detail that speaks to us personally and connects to our present world. Finally, we consider God’s call to action, reflecting on the assurance God offers through Ezekiel’s story: “Do not be afraid.” The episode closes with a prayerful invitation to respond to God’s leading and to share this sacred encounter with others.