What does it mean to truly see with the eyes of faith? This contemplative session blends scripture, stillness, and Bruegel’s haunting Parable of the Blind to awaken spiritual insight. Step into sacred silence—and discover where God might be guiding your gaze.

Matthew 15:12-14

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

Opening

In this time together—weekly, or sometimes every other week—we will pray, read scripture, and reflect on artwork, allowing it to inspire our praying.

We will begin by reflecting on a painting. After your time of meditation and reflection, you may read the related chapter from the book, if you’d like. (It’s not necessary to have the book, but it can offer additional depth.)

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

For the beginning of this series, we’re using Contemplative Vision by Juliet Benner.

“Contemplative prayer is simply a receptive form of prayer in which we open ourselves to God in stillness and silence. It is being with God, giving the Holy Spirit the freedom to act and lead however the Spirit chooses. This involves making space for God and cultivating loving attentiveness to God.”

When scripture is part of contemplative prayer, we do not read primarily to get something from the passage, but as a way of being with God in openness and attentiveness.

Scripture

Matthew 15:12–14 (CEB)
Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended by what you just said?” Jesus replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be pulled up. Leave the Pharisees alone. They are blind people who are guides to blind people. But if a blind person leads another blind person, they will both fall into a ditch.”

As you listen, notice if a word or phrase stands out to you. Hold it gently in your attention, and let it become the focus of your prayer.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Today’s artwork is The Parable of the Blind by Bruegel the Elder.

Take a moment to look at the painting. Take your time and allow yourself to really see and experience the story it tells.

The painting depicts six sightless men walking down a slope toward a village pond. One has already fallen in and lies helplessly on his back, still clutching his walking stick. The others cling to each other and to their canes, forming a jagged line across the canvas—each stumbling forward toward the same end.

Reflection Questions

What do you notice?

How is what you’re noticing related to the word or phrase that stood out to you from the scripture?

From the scripture and the painting, what is God saying to you?

What is it that God wants you to carry forward?

What is it that God wants you to know?

What is it, perhaps, that God wants you to do—or be?

Closing

Thank you for joining us for this time of contemplative prayer. I pray that it has been a time when you have been able to meet God in a real and deep way—like gathering with a friend in conversation: listening, spending time with the One who is your Beloved.

Join us next time as we continue with another painting and further explore Juliet Benner’s Contemplative Vision.