Today, Ash Wednesday, begins the Season of Lent. I will offer weekly artwork based on a piece of Scripture with a Visio Divina prompt followed by several questions to ponder. May this Season offer you time to dwell upon the rich treasures found amid the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Scripture Reading:

“Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” – Genesis 2:7

“So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.” – Genesis 2:21-22

Visio Divina:
Visio Divina is an intentional way to pray with images. It invites us to slow down and notice, to look at what is before us. Instead of quickly glancing and moving on, Visio Divina invites God to speak to us through the visual. To read more about Visio Divina, click here. The rhythm below offers a prayerful prompt for your time with the image above.

Open in prayer asking God to be present with you in your viewing.

Slowly scan over the entire image. Which part of the image invites you in?

Keep your focus on the part of the image that captures your attention. Notice the lines, color, texture. What does this part of the image stir within you? Does it bring up memories of a past event or person? Does it evoke a desire or longing? Notice your feelings and emotions. Allow yourself to spend time in this space with God.

In your final moments with the image, notice what prayer is rising within you. Consider writing your prayer down in a journal.

Questions:
What in your life feels as if it is dust/ash?
Where does God want to breathe Spirit-filled air into your being/situation?
What do you need to let go of (sacrifice/fast from) in order for God to fill you with Holy desire?

Closing Prayer:
Creator God, breathe your life into my weary bones. Let your Spirit fill the empty soul spaces. Amen.

Ash Wednesday 2016 Blog Post: Rising from the Ashes, found here.