What spiritual rhythms is God drawing you into today? In this Art and Prayer episode, Rev. Rob McPherson explores Hilma af Klint’s Altarpiece No. 1 (Group X), a profound visual journey through spiritual ascent and descent that mirrors the dance of faith.

Ephesians 4:5-10

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Find a comfortable position. Let your shoulders soften.

Take a slow, deep breath in. And let it go, gently.

Open yourself to the Spirit of God. Invite God into your space.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

Today, let us consider the spiritual journey—how we draw near to God, and how, at times, we feel ourselves drift. There is a desire in us for union with God. And there is also the reality that we do not always fulfill that desire. As we struggle, Christ comes into our world to meet us and to draw us toward God.

We may also hold this journey in the wider world—our longing to be free from injustice and poverty, and the ways we are pulled back into systems that oppress. Christ comes in solidarity with human suffering, lifting us toward reconciliation with one another, and wholeness in God. What matters most today is not the meaning we assign, but what God is speaking to you as you observe.

Prepare to listen for God.

Scripture

Ephesians 4:5–10 (The Inclusive Bible)

There is one Savior, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is over all, who works through all and is within all. Each of us has received God’s grace in the measure in which Christ has bestowed it.

Thus you find Scripture saying: “You ascended on high, leading captives in your train and giving gifts to people.” You ascended. What does this mean but that Christ first descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is the very one who ascended high above the heavens in order to fill the whole universe.

Holy Spirit, breathe through these words.

As you listen, notice the movement of ascending and descending—within Christ, and within your own life.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Altarpiece No. 1 (Group X / Group Ten) — Hilma af Klint

At first the image may feel simple; as you stay with it, let its details unfold. Notice the colors. Notice the shapes.

You may see a circle of light—an echo of God’s presence.

You may also see a road or stairway—at times leading toward the light, and at times coming from the light, toward you. Let this be an invitation: to travel the road of your life, through many colors, until you are drawn into the fullness of light.

Reflection Questions

As you gaze at the painting, what draws your attention first?

What do the colors and shapes awaken in you—memory, longing, comfort, resistance, hope?

Where do you sense ascending and descending in the painting?

As you consider the rising and falling of your life, what moments come to the surface?

How has Christ been present in that movement—meeting you, drawing you, carrying you?

Knowing this work is an altarpiece, what wordless truth about spirituality does it whisper to you?

If the painting held the journey toward God, where would you place yourself today?

Where might you place certain key moments of your life within this image?

As you look ahead, where do you long to be in your journey with God next year?

What might help you move toward that place—prayer, community, justice-seeking, rest, courage, grace?

As you hear the Scripture again in your heart, what word or phrase stands out today, and what makes it feel important?

Where do you see that word or phrase reflected in the painting’s light, path, colors, or shapes?

Where is God leading you with these thoughts and feelings?

Closing

God of light, meet us on the road—when we rise and when we fall. Clarify your message in your time, as it blossoms and ripens within us. We give you thanks for our journey of faith so far, and we trust you for the steps ahead. Amen.