Photo: B falling_angel https://www.flickr.com/photos/11561957@N06/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

How can ancient icons open a window into your spiritual life? Join Pastor Rob McPherson as we explore Natalia Goncharova’s Four Evangelists, discovering how art can guide us to deeper wisdom and union with God. Experience a quiet prayer time inviting revelation and the light of God’s presence.

Ephesians 1:17-19

In this contemplative episode, Pastor Rob McPherson introduces us to the rich spiritual tradition of icons through Natalia Goncharova’s Four Evangelists. Though not an icon expert, Rob invites us to consider how icons serve as windows into the spiritual realm—tools not for worshiping the artwork itself but for encountering God through it.

Goncharova’s life and background steeped in Orthodox mysticism inform these revolutionary works, which depict the evangelists not as distant saints but as earthy, human figures with large hands and barefoot on holy ground. Each evangelist carries a blank scroll, symbolizing the ongoing and living nature of the Gospel message and inviting us into a fresh encounter with God’s word.

Rob guides us through each figure—Matthew in blue, Mark attentive in red, Luke wise and pointing heavenward, and John in green pointing to the Word—highlighting their unique ways of directing us toward divine truth. Rooting our meditation in Ephesians 1:17-19, he encourages us to ask God for spiritual wisdom and revelation, that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened.

The meditation closes with an extended silent prayer time, inviting viewers to use the icons as a spiritual window through which the Holy Spirit can guide them into union with God. Rob reminds us that these sacred encounters are always accessible, deepening with each look and prayerful reflection.