The Ancient Prayer Practice You May be Missing

Have you ever wished you could step into a Gospel scene and see Jesus for yourself?

Imagine standing among the crowd as Jesus breaks bread for thousands: Picture the disciples wrestling through a mixture of hope and fear. Hear their questions and the sounds of the people as they nervously wait. Notice the faces, and consider where you might be in the story.

What do you see? What stirs in your heart? What might Jesus be revealing to you?

This practice of entering Scripture with prayerful imagination is not about creating a new story; it’s about slowing down enough to encounter God through the story He has already given us, because sometimes we miss what God wants to show us today. Ancient prayer practices like Lectio Divina and Visio Divina invite us to linger longer, pay closer attention, and create space for the Holy Spirit to illuminate truths by helping us pray through the eyes of our heart.

What Is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina, meaning "Divine Reading," is an ancient Christian practice of prayerfully engaging Scripture. Rather than reading for information alone, we read to be transformed through divine encounter. The goal is not speed or completion. The goal is attentiveness to receive His Word in our hearts. Traditionally, the practice includes four movements:

• Read — Slowly read a passage of Scripture.‍
• Reflect — Notice what stands out.‍
• Respond — Talk with God about what you're sensing.‍
• Receive — Simply be with Him.

While the phrase Lectio Divina isn't found in the Bible, its roots are deeply biblical. Scripture repeatedly invites us to meditate on God's Word, ponder His works, and treasure His truth in our hearts.

But what if seeing can help us listen, too?

What Is Visio Divina?

Visio Divina, or "Divine Seeing," uses visual imagery as a pathway into prayer. While it shares roots with Lectio Divina, rather than beginning with a passage, you begin with an image such as a scene from a photograph, a work of art, or even an icon, and you prayerfully observe it to see what captures your attention. As you look, you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reflection:

• What stands out to me?
• What emotions arise?
• What might God be inviting me to notice?
• How does this lead me into prayer?

Images have a unique way of slowing us down and helping us encounter familiar truths with fresh eyes. Think about how often Jesus taught through images and stories: seeds, sheep, vineyards, bread, light. These tangible pictures helped people see spiritual realities more clearly. In a similar way, visual reflection can help us notice details, emotions, and perspectives we may otherwise overlook.

Both practices — Visio Divina and Lectio Divina — inspire prayerful holy imagination. In many ways, they are companions on the same journey: one inviting us to linger with God's Word, the other helping us behold His truth through visual reflection. Together, they create space for us to move beyond simply consuming information and into attentive, prayerful communion with Jesus.

Perhaps that's why these long-standing Christian practices continue to resonate with believers today. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in a thousand directions, they invite us to pause, listen, and make room for God to speak. They remind us that prayer is not only about what we say to God, but also about learning to notice where He is already at work.

A Resource Just for You!

To help you engage in Visio Divina, we’ve put together a FREE resource that guides you through the practice for even deeper reflection on the life and ministry of Jesus. This was featured in the 2026 ChosenCon Prayer Room, and we couldn't wait to share it with you!

‍Download the Visio Divina Prayer Resource today!

‍Whether you're seeking a fresh rhythm of prayer or a deeper encounter with Jesus, we hope this resource helps you slow down, listen, and see Him more clearly — and discover that He has been drawing near all along.

In His love,

Laura Gish
Prayer Coordinator
Come and See Foundation

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P.S. If these images stirred something in your heart, the prints from the ChosenCon Prayer Room are now available in The Chosen Gifts Store — beautifully painted by renowned artist Liz Lemon Swindle and ready to hang in your home to inspire your daily prayer.