Art and Prayer
Contemplative Prayer
This video series use artwork to help people deepen their prayer life. Combined with the use of scripture, artwork becomes a tool to aid participants both speak with and listen to God. This practice is often called Visio Divina (which translates as Divine Seeing). The videos come in two forms:
The full "Praying With an Artist and Their Work" episodes. These are 17 to 25 minutes. On YouTube and Spotify.
The shorts "60 Seconds with an Artist and Their Work" which are clips from the larger episodes. On YouTube.`
You are encourage not just to watch the episodes but to use them to spur you to prayer.
Hints for Using the Videos
Try to find a quiet place where you can focus on God while watching 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.
If you need more time at any point in the video, be willing pause it.
If the vocal guidance bothers you, mute it. Simply use the video.
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.
The Presenter
The series is presented by Rev. Rob McPherson, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church with over 30 years experience. He received his MDiv from United Theological Seminary in 1994, and BA from the University of Michigan in 1990. He currently serves as the pastor of Davison United Methodist Church in Davison, MI. He produces these videos because they feed his soul and hopes that you also find them nourishing for your faith.
History
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..
Program Principles
While leading people into prayer, I am committed to:
1. The artwork does not need to be Christian in theme nor by a Christian artist for God to speak to us through the artwork.
2 God can use a diverse set of art from classic to contemporary, from all styles and eras to reach us.
3. God can be revealed through male, female, and non-binary artists, art from a variety of countries, and art from various races.
4. Living artists deserve to be paid for the use of their work in the program. I strive to find rights for all artworks especially art not within the public domain.
5. Because images are powerful, I strive to use the Inclusive Bible or other scriptures that use inclusive language for humanity and God rather than burden us with images that are exclusive and potentially harmful. (Some older episodes did not meet this expectation).