Frequently Asked Questions

Art and Prayer FAQ

  • Art and Prayer is a video series based upon the ancient contemplative prayer practice of looking at an image while focusing on listening to God. Sometimes called Visio Divine (Divine Seeing) or gazing, the idea is to use the art as a window to God. We are not praying to the art, but along with scripture using is to focus our attention on God.

  • Art connects with different parts of our brain than words alone. This allows our whole self to connect with God. In addition, there is a long tradition of artwork being used in churches to help us immerse ourselves into the holy presence of God. These works often show us biblical stories and symbols in ways that may open us to knew ways of knowing and encountering God.

  • All episodes are free to watch! In fact, you can even join the community area for free. Nothing on this site has a cost.

  • Each week on Thursday a new full length episode is released, along with a 60 second short clip from the episode.

  • On the episodes page there are categories for Christmas (which includes Advent) and Lent and Easter. These along with the categories of grace, growth, peace, healing and creation can be filtered so that you can find them easily.

  • No, you do not need an account.

  • The easiest way to share an episode is on the video screen, in the upper right, is a share icon. Click and share.

Hints for Using the Videos — FAQ

  • Try to find a quiet place where you can focus on God while watching the video. You may also want to prepare yourself by taking a few deep breaths before you start the video.

  • I personally like a larger screen for seeing the details in the art; however, this is not necessary. Allow God to use whatever device you are using to connect with you.

  • Remember that you are not so much looking at the art and trying to understand it, as you are listening for what God has to say to you through the image. Consider the metaphor of the art being a doorway through which you meet God. You don’t need to understand it for it to lead you to God.

  • This is a great question. God seldom speaks audibly, but the voice is more an internal leading and guiding. I always include scripture in the episode to give us a grounding that can help us test what we sense God has for us. I also recommend asking yourself a couple of questions: Is what I heard loving of myself and others? Does it fit with what I know and believe about God? If you are still uncertain, find a person you trust to talk to about your experiences. Another opinion can greatly help.

  • If you need more time at any point in the video, be willing to pause it. Or continue your time of prayer after the video finishes. Or watch the video a second time on another day. There are lots of ways to give yourself more time in contemplation; especially if something important comes up during it.

  • If the vocal guidance bothers you, mute it. Simply use the video. The newer videos use more music than the older ones. Hopefully this will help prevent the music from becoming annoying. However, if it does, you can mute the sound and use the captions to guide you.

  • Keep a pen or pencil and paper near you. If you find yourself distracted, write down what is distracting you so that you can come back to it after you are finished with prayer.

  • My professor of prayer said, “If you fall asleep while praying, God is telling you that you need more rest.” Enjoy the rest, let it refill your energy. And I won’t be at all offended if you find these that relaxing!

  • Certainly! That is how this started. Feel free to show these episodes in gathered groups and then talk about your experiences. I have learned a great deal from what others saw, felt and heard during their contemplations on the artwork.

  • The series began as a church study in the fall of 2024, inspired by Juliet Benner's book, Contemplative Vision: A Guide to Christian Art and Prayer. 

  • Juliet Benner’s book Contemplative Vision: A Guide to Christian Art and Prayer.

    Therese Kay’s prayer journal Meeting God through Art: Visio Divina.

    Timothy Verdon’s book Art and Prayer: The Beauty of Turning to God.

Program Principles — FAQ

  • No. The artwork does not need to be Christian in theme or created by a Christian artist. God can speak to us through all kinds of art, regardless of origin.

  • Art and Prayer includes a wide range of artwork — from classic to contemporary, across many styles and eras. We believe God can use diverse artistic expressions to reach us.

  • God is revealed through art created by male, female, and non-binary artists, from a variety of countries, cultures, and races. Diversity in art helps expand our view of God’s presence.

  • We believe living artists deserve to be paid for their work. Whenever possible, we secure proper rights for the use of artwork, especially pieces that are not in the public domain.

  • Because images and words are powerful, we strive to use the Inclusive Bible or other translations with inclusive language for both humanity and God. This helps avoid exclusive or potentially harmful imagery. (Note: some of the first episodes may not fully reflect this practice.)