Podcasts about visio divina

This first miracle by Jesus, recorded in John's gospel, may seem like an odd insertion into the Lenten journey. But it is the moment when Jesus made his public debut as not just a stirring teacher, but as a miraculous healer who was concerned about the wellbeing of others. His response to his mother that his “hour has not yet come” is a foretelling of his crucifixion and resurrection, when he would be poured out as blood and water for the salvation of others. In that way, the turning of water into wine is a kind of foreshadowing of his ultimate miracle. The Renaissance painter Veronese renders this story in vivid detail, both immersing the viewer in the story and expanding the hospitality of God to others.  Reflection Questions:1. When have you been to a family gathering where things didn't turn out as hoped? 2. How is God calling you to “widen the table” and make room for people to experience God's love? 3. How are you a character in the story of the wedding at Cana?Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In this full-cut Visio Divina conversation, Magrey deVega and Dr. Rose Trentinella explore Tintoretto's depiction of the Wedding at Cana. Originally created for a monastery dining hall, the artwork was meant to surround viewers as they shared their own meals. Even more compelling, art historians believe Tintoretto may have painted himself into the scene—not looking out at us, but participating in the feast. What does it mean for an artist to place himself inside the miracle? And what might it mean for us, as we practice a slower, more attentive way of seeing? This conversation invites us to consider what we notice and where we find ourselves within the story.Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Long before podcasts and livestreams, Archbishop Fulton Sheen used the power of media to help people encounter God. In this episode, Archbishop Hebda reflects on Sheen's beatification, his enduring witness, and how ordinary Catholics can be inspired by his life. Then, artist Madeline Larson introduces Visio Divina, a practice of prayerful reflection through sacred art, showing how images can open our hearts to God. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow! Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ 

Tara and guest Rev. Ellen Corcella—author of "Walk With Me: A Journey Through the Landscape of Trauma" and host of Faith and Resilience Podcast—talk about resilience during Lent and in everyday life. They discuss resilience as both internal and beyond oneself, rooted in meaning-making, adaptability, and connection rather than individualism. Tara shares her evolving definition of theopoetics as creative engagement with God in community, and reflects on Julian of Norwich's hazelnut vision—God made it, loves it, and keeps it—as a grounding way to notice “thin spaces” of the sacred in ordinary moments. Tara describes practices like Lectio Divina and Visio Divina, using scripture, art, doodling, and poetry for contemplation, and reads her poem “Thin Space Day,” which locates pilgrimage-like holiness in daily routines (carpool, mailbox walks, lunchtime, coffee, commutes). The conversation connects thin spaces to Lent's wilderness metaphor, emphasizes God's presence in both mountaintops and valleys, and reframes “all manner of things be well” (AMOT) as holding both consolation and desolation. Ellen shares where to find her book, podcast and website (www.ellencorcella.com).Send Tara a Text MessageJoin Tara for Worship on Sunday morning at 10 am. Warren First Presbyterian Church at 300 Market Street in Warren Pennsylvania. A live stream is provided via FaceBook for people out of the region... During Lent Tara is facilitating a book club based on Madeline L'Engle's book A Circle of Quiet. Tuesday mornings at 10;30 am at the church.Support the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Part of the Treasures series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley, link to Visio Divina on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3SiOGYtHULc The post Inheritance & Changing Weather // Luke 15:11-32 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

The most famous fresco in the history of western art is in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. It depicts the stirring moment when God created humans, with God and Adam, arms outstretched, making contact. Just as moving is the stunning entryway doors to the Baptistery of St. John in Florence, Italy by Giberti, which depics the story of creation in incredible, gilded detail. The creation story is a fitting starting point in our Lenten journey, reminding us of our inherent nature as made in the image of God, and calling us to return to a full reflection of God's character, as we reach out and touch the divine.   Reflection Questions:1. How might you begin to read the Bible with multiple physical senses? 2. When has a work of art opened your eyes to wonder? 3. How do these two works of art give you deeper appreciation for the creation story? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The post ‘Visio Divina' with Lauren wright Pittman appeared first on First Baptist Church.

The Burlington Pause 2026 - Episode 2 : The act of divine seeing

12/24/2025 Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Chris Breslin Images Lesson 3 – Sunlight in the Forest (Charles Burchfield Lesson 6 – Christ in the Rubble (Kelly Lattimore) Lesson 8 – Adoration of the Magi (Leonardo da Vinci)

12/11/25 - Join us for an inspiring conversation with Derek Rotty, author of Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption Through Visio Divina, as we explore how beauty draws the soul to Christ and how sacred art can become a powerful doorway into contemplative prayer. In this interview, Derek explains the roots of visio divina, the harmony of truth, goodness, and beauty in the Catholic spiritual life, and how sacred images can shape the way we enter into the mysteries of the liturgical year. He shares practical guidance for praying with art, approaching Scripture through visual meditation, and allowing sacred masterpieces to form the imagination toward holiness. Whether you're seeking a richer prayer life, a deeper appreciation of beauty, or a new way to encounter the Lord, this conversation will help you see how sacred art can transform your devotion and open your heart to Christ.   Get the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=praying-with-sacred-art&srsltid=AfmBOora-lGoU5A9U--CQSGUE8J2nJwiZOXWsYblZPcO6c9ZUrb0hjKH

Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! Today's Peace on Earth reflection invites us to enter the mystery of the Annunciation through Visio Divina—praying with sacred images.   Father Jonathan explains why the angel Gabriel's greeting, “Hail, full of grace,” reveals Mary as the Immaculate Conception, conceived without original sin so she could become the living tabernacle for Christ.   Then he shares a powerful way to deepen your prayer life:

We're joined with Derek Rotty, author, talks about his book Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption through Visio Divina. Stephanie Sterling, Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, talks about their annual Christmas program to provide gifts for families in need. Terry Dickson, Communications Director of the Diocese of Biloxi, talks about the Gulf Pine Newspaper issue.

Can God speak to you through pictures? Find out with this approach to prayer and meditation. It contains several long stretches of silence between suggestions for what to do, which can help you engage over a useful period of time.Find pictures and full walkthrough steps here: https://www.severnvineyard.org/sunday-talks-bloglist/2025/11/6/visio-divina-led-by-claire-lynch-9-november-2025

All of us long to open the Bible and have a meaningful conversation with Jesus. But learning to be with God through his Word feels more challenging than ever in a fast-paced world where answers are always at our fingertips. Thankfully there are tested-and-true spiritual disciplines that can help us slow down and soak up the grace-filled words of Scripture.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill chats with Steve Macchia — a spiritual director who helps leaders prioritize spiritual formation and the author of a new book titled Praying the Parables: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and Image. You'll become enthused to approach Jesus' parables curiously through Lectio Divina as a fresh affection for him bubbles up in your heart and mind. Resources for this Episode:Praying the Parables of Jesus: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and ImageConnect With Steve MacchiaLearn More About Leadership TransformationsLectio Divina GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Suz Skinner “Our prayer is that our eyes will be open, our ears will be attentive, and our hearts will receive the gift of the parables of Jesus.” - Steve Macchia  Season 36 begins with a conversation between Steve Macchia and Suz Skinner. They share about their soon-to-release book, Praying the Parables of Jesus, an immersive encounter with the teachings of Jesus. Using the spiritual practices of Lectio and Visio Divina, readers can connect more deeply with the teachings of Jesus as they prayerfully discern God's invitation in the parables.   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO SERMON HANDOUT Trinity Sunday The Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 1Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? 2On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out: 4“To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live. 22The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. 23Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 24When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. 25Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth— 26when he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world's first bits of soil. 27When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, 29when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, 30then I was beside him, like a master worker; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, 31rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the human race. Psalm: Canticle 2 or 13 Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *        you are worthy of praise; glory to you. Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *        we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever. Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *        on the throne of your majesty, glory to you. Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *        we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever. Glory to you, beholding the depths; *        in the high vault of heaven, glory to you. Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *        we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever. Epistle: Romans 5:1-5 1Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Gospel: John 16:12-15 12“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams shares a reflection on Ascension Thursday, drawing from the writings of St. Pope Leo XIII to tell us how God desires to pour out His heavenly blessings upon us. As we take your calls, listeners share inspiring testimonies of their involvement in the Pro-Life movement within their communities. In addition, we explore the prayer practice of Visio Divina, what it is and how to pray it.

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams shares a reflection on Ascension Thursday, drawing from the writings of St. Pope Leo XIII to tell us how God desires to pour out His heavenly blessings upon us. As we take your calls, listeners share inspiring testimonies of their involvement in the Pro-Life movement within their communities. In addition, we explore the prayer practice of Visio Divina, what it is and how to pray it.

Pastor Michael continues our Eastertide series and leads us in a collective practice of Visio Divina, using Scott Erickson's artpiece depicting the story of Thomas. How does Jesus meet us and honor our needs- even in the face of our very real doubts?

Listen in to be guided through a Maundy Thursday liturgy and the sacred practice of Visio Divina—prayerfully seeing—using the artwork linked below. Let's reflect upon the invitation to love one another as Christ has loved us as we gather separate, yet together in spirit.Visio Divina Image

This year, North City Church is participating in Lent through a reflective process called "Visio-Divina" - - It is a contemplative practice involving image, prayer, and scripture. This is week 1 in our journey together as a community. Each week an image created by "Scott The Painter" (Scott Erickson) will be displayed, and a scripture read to guide in discussion and aid us in our journey of reflection towards the cross.March 9, 2025

Artist, influencer, writer Grace Morbitzer offers a guided meditation using her modernized portrait of Sts. Clare and Francis of Assisi. In 5 simple steps, learn about a holy man and holy woman, at the same time connecting their lives to your own in a moment of mindfulness, meditation and deepening. Reflect on the nature of...

In this episode, we explore Visio Divina, a unique form of prayer that invites us to encounter God through sacred art. Madeline Larson joins us to share how this practice has deepened her connection with God, especially in today's fast-paced world. Tune in as we discuss how slowing down to meditate on religious imagery can help us tune into God's voice and experience His presence in new and meaningful ways. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠  ⁠Instagram⁠⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠ 

12/24/2024 Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Chris Breslin   Images Lesson 1 – Creation (St. John’s Bible) Lesson 4 – The Peaceable Kingdom (Edward Hicks) Lesson 6 – Holy Family of the Streets (Kelly Lattimore) Lesson 9 – Flight into Egypt (Ivanka Demchuk)

In Season 5, we are featuring reflections from our Advent project called Advent in Durham: Streams in the Desert. Day 21 - Visio Divina - Historic Russell School. Read online at www.durhamcares.org/advent.  Theme Music: Peaceful by Luca Fraula Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5169-peaceful License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  See the photo for today's Visio Divina at hhttps://historicrussellschool.org/history.

Father Chris Walsh joins Patrick to discuss Christmas with Lectio Divina (3:59) Why are Christmas Celebrations important? How does Lectio Divina connect with us in our world today? (20:02) Break 1 How much of scripture should we (25:00) what is the meditation and contemplation? (28:26) Michel - giving gifts. In Matthew 6, supposed to give in secret. How do we relate that to Christmas giving? is boastful to buy expensive things? (34:47) Break 2 What is a good translation of the bible to use for Lectio Divina (40:04) What is Visio Divina? (42:50) Fr. Bill - I was directing a retreat at Trappist Abbey. I begin with Scripture, read in silence, then stop and contemplate.

In Season 5, we are featuring reflections from our Advent project called Advent in Durham: Streams in the Desert. Day 7 - Visio Divina - Eno River. Read online at www.durhamcares.org/advent.  Theme Music: Peaceful by Luca Fraula Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5169-peaceful License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  See the photo for today's Visio Divina at https://www.enoriver.org/eno-river-association-grows-state-parks-acreage-and-protects-land-in-the-upper-eno-river-basin/.

In Season 5, we are featuring reflections from our Advent project called Advent in Durham: Streams in the Desert. Day 7 - Visio Divina - Royal Ice Cream Protest. Read online at www.durhamcares.org/advent.  Theme Music: Peaceful by Luca Fraula Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5169-peaceful License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  See the photo for today's Visio Divina at https://carolinatheatre.org/timeline/sit-in-at-royal-ice-cream-parlor/. 

Advent Kick-Off: Visio Divina by River NYC Sermons

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, we delve into a profound conversation with our guest, Bette Dickinson, a prophetic artist, speaker, and author of "Making Room in Advent." Join us as we explore the transformative role of women in the church, drawing insight from biblical figures like Mary and Elizabeth.Bette shares how her journey of integrating her artistic and leadership talents has deepened her spiritual connection and illuminated critical perspectives on the kingdom of God. She and Michael discuss the ancient practice of visio divina, allowing listeners to engage spiritually with art, and reveal how Bette's creative process serves as a metaphor for spiritual formation.With candid reflections on the challenges women face in ministry, Bette provides a powerful testament to the importance of marginalized voices within religious spaces. They also touch upon her unique experience in ministry and seminary, the tensions between her Enneagram gifts, and how the rhythms of contemplation and creation shape her calling.Discover more about Bette here.ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

We welcome back Kathleen Carr of the Catholic Art Institute to discuss the importance of the Incarnation, Advent, and discovering beauty as a family. What can we learn from engaging in Visio Divina? Father finishes with Timely Thoughts.   Show Notes Catholic Art Institute St. Luke & the Noble Task of Artists New Partnership, Conference Photos & Upcoming Events Support the Catholic Art Institute Christmas Tour 2024 | Catholic Art Institute Way of Beauty: Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement Through VISIO Divina - Dr. Jem Sullivan Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know - Dr. Jem Sullivan Vatican Unveils the Official Mascot for 2025 Jubilee Year | Twitter Thread Hymns Deemed “Doctrinally Problematic” by the USCCB | Diocese of Jefferson City iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

Send us a textSpecial Guest:Kreg Yingst, Author of Everything Could be a Prayer: One Hundred Portraits of Saints and MysticsQuestion of the Week:Many people close their eyes when they pray. But there other types of prayer and reflection that involve looking at something. What is “visio divina” and how does it invite us into a unique form of prayer?Everything Could be a Prayer: One Hundred Portraits of Saints and MysticsFollow Kreg on Instagram @psalmprayersFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website

Katie Weiss is the founder and Executive Director of Behold, a program built to give women the skills needed to pray using Visio Divina. We spoke with Katie about what Visio Divina is and how to use this method of prayer. We also discussed Behold's newest book “Grieving with Hope,” a prayer book for mothers who have experienced miscarriage.     Show Notes:  Website: https://www.beholdvisiodivina.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behold.visiodivina/   Resources from Behold: Steps to Visio Divina  Pre-order the book Grieving with Hope: Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss here: https://www.beholdvisiodivina.com/product-page/grieving-with-hope-a-companion-for-mothers-pre-order  The Given Institute  

In this episode, Rachael Clinton Chen is joined by Vanessa Sadler, a trauma-informed spiritual director and contemplative creative, who brings heartfelt wisdom to the conversation about healing from personal and collective trauma and abuse. Vanessa draws on her unique training in the Enneagram, spiritual direction, and Narrative Focused Trauma Care to explore what spiritual direction truly is (and what it is not).  Vanessa highlights the transformative power of spiritual direction as a vital part of the healing journey, helping to renew our spiritual imagination and attachment to God, ourselves, and others. She also shares some contemplative practices and resources that can support this process, which are linked in the show notes below. Listener Resources: Subscribe to NOURISH Daily, a guided journey delivered to your inbox for 30 days, at https://centerfjp.org/nourish/ . Vanessa's recommended reading list includes: Starting Spiritual Direction by John Mabry, Meditations of the Heart by Howard Thurman, and The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner. She also references authors Margaret Gunther and Kaitlin Curtice and therapist Melody Li. Read more about the Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, and the practices of kataphatic and apophatic prayer. Listen to Peace Talks, a podcast hosted by Vanessa Sadler from the Center for Formation, Justice, and Peace. In particular, Vanessa references this episode with Linda Royster and Dan Allender.

Title: "Visio Divina" Scripture: Exodus 17:8-13 By: Rev. Marisa Gertz To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, please make a gift here: https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp Bulletin https://trinitygnv.org/s/635-Bulletin-06-26-24-ayzm.pdf Scripture https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+17%3A8-13&version=NRSVUE For more information, go to https://trinitygnv.org/

Title: "Visio Divina" Scripture: Exodus 17:8-13 By: Rev. Marisa Gertz To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, please make a gift here:  https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp Bulletin https://trinitygnv.org/s/635-Bulletin-06-26-24-ayzm.pdf Scripture https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+17%3A8-13&version=NRSVUE For more information, go to https://trinitygnv.org/

We were so lucky to have Scott Erickson on the podcast this season! Not only did he share his wisdom and thoughtfulness, but he also shared his art and his spiritual director expertise! Over on Patreon each week we chose one of the pieces of art discussed in the episode and Scott walked us through a Visio Divina practice with that image. As a Christmas gift to all our listeners we wanted to share the first visio divina practice from episode one.   First you'll hear Ruth introduce you to the practice of Visio Divina and help you to settle in. Then at 5:35 you'll hear Scott begin the practice. We've left lots of room at the end to give you time and space to continue your practice.   As always we encourage you to do this in a set apart time, free from distraction and noise. You can find the image HERE (it's the first image from episode 1, the picture of Mary holding her belly), or you can find this same image at the beginning of Chapter 11, Assumptions, on page 88, of Scott's book, Honest Advent.   Let us know how this practice was for you! We'll be doing this each week during Advent. Praying for you as you open yourself to the unseen work of God this Advent season.

See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   We've reached the end of our Advent journey. Ruth, Scott, and Charity come together one last time to wonder where God is in the darkness, the unfolding, and the journey. Scott shares a story of God's intimate revelation during his own pilgrimage, and the three ponder how we move from revelation to participation. They also discuss the Magi's journey and what God reveals about light and darkness in their story.   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist O Come O Come Emmanuel from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   Ruth, Scott, and Charity continue their journey through Advent with a conversation around Scott's pieces, Sacred and Mighty. With these images, they explore where God is in our humanity, in our broken, imperfect bodies, and in the mightiness God displayed when he came to earth in the form of a tiny baby, choosing to go through the world in all his humanness, just as we do. They discuss how to make the ordinary sacred and the invitation to pause and notice our experiences in our very human bodies this Advent, searching for what they reveal about God.   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Good is the Flesh by Brian Wren (a poem) The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist A Light Unto My Path from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   This week, as Ruth, Scott, and Charity examine Scott's “cover” of Sister Grace Remington's beautiful painting Mary and Eve, they delve into womanhood, mothering, and the invitation to embrace vulnerability this advent. Why is it so scandalous to talk about God as a mother? What does the vulnerability of God coming into the world as a baby have to teach us about our own vulnerability? How does our obsession with meritocracy (defined in this conversation as the earning of God's good grace by our deeds, awards, and success) rob us of actual grace and love?   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist There is Room from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

In this episode, we begin our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part one and discuss the sections on Emptiness, Fiat, Advent, and Pastoral. We reflect on the gift of virginity, how our own life experiences can alter how we view this gift, and how Our Lady perfectly models the truth about the fruitfulness of giving our full selves in love. We also chat about the beauty of accepting our littleness and how only through the act of emptying ourselves can God truly give us what He desires.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather's One Thing - Advent Worship playlist and the song Hungry by UPPERROOM Sister Miriam's One Thing - Christmas Peaceful Piano playlist Michelle's One Thing - The painting A Mother and Child looking at the Virgin and Child by Reginald Bottomley and steps to practice Visio Divina with the image.   Journal Questions: How do I allow myself to be filled by the Bridegroom? How do I view chastity – as a sour apple, or as the first fruits? What is distracting me this Advent season? What image depicted by Caryll Houselander is resonating with me most (the reed, the chalice, and the nest)?   Discussion Questions: How can I empty myself to more fully receive the Bridegroom? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say “yes” to? What is the Holy Spirit inviting you to say “no” to? How is the Lord continually purifying and refining you? How am I tempted to say “I'm just a…”?   Quotes to Ponder: “Advent is the season of the secret, the secret of the growth of Christ, of Divine Love growing in silence.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 38). Copycat. Kindle Edition.)   “It is always a love story, a culmination of love between the Spirit of Light and the Bride of the Spirit.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God (p. 19). Copycat. Kindle Edition.) Scripture for Lectio:  “Be it done to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)   Sponsor - Bell Road Beef: Bell Road Beef is two sisters and two husbands, raising thirteen children (currently!) and more than thirteen cattle on the grasslands of Northern New Mexico.  They come from five generations of ranchers who have known, loved, and cared for the land and its animals for decades. From the beginning of new life to harvest, the animals are an extension of Britt, Rozann, and their families. They see life, loss, and everything in between. On Bell Road, these animals have a home…one in which small batches of cattle are raised to the highest standards and eventually brought straight to you. Visit shop.bellroadbeef.com to see the variety of beef that can be shipped straight to your door, and get a free pack of beef sticks while you're at it!

As we mark the first week of Advent we are examining the Annunciation. How do we define a revelation and what does it expose in us? What does a revelation do to our plans and certainty? Where is God in the midst of it all? Ruth, Charity and Scott discuss Mary's response to the news of what God was doing in her, how we know when God is doing a new thing and why we can sometimes feel crazy when we sense a sacred revelation in the middle of our very ordinary existence.   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?    See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Journey from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!   The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

Bliss Spillar, our Senior Pastor, leads our students and congregation through a Visio Divina for Christ the King Sunday. The image of the painting we used can be found here.Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Psalm 95:1-7aEphesians 1:15-23Matthew 25:31-46Intro for Sermon Podcasts Outro for Sermon AudioWe are a community hoping to live the Jesus-way in our city as a people of God's hospitality, God‘s restoration, and God's shalom. Learn more about All Souls Charlottesville: www.allsoulscville.com

Advent is upon us again. This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?    In today's episode, Ruth and Charity introduce us to Scott. He shares why he wrote Honest Advent, what he was trying to convey with the images in the book and what he means by this idea of “Honest Advent.” They all discuss what longing and waiting look like in this church season, why it's important to honestly hold both, and how the hope that God might still be doing something deeper, bigger, and truer than we can see keeps them present to what could be. See the image discussed in today's episode HERE. Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones. Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as seasons past. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist There is Room from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

This week's podcast invites us to look around the world with wonder, curiosity, and an openness to Divine Presence. Visio Divina, a form of contemplative prayer, offers us the chance to pause, to notice, and to become aware of what is stirring within. And while some amount of controversy has arisen around forms of prayer that appeal not only to the mind but the mind-heart-body, it is also the case that many have returned to these ancient forms of prayer - as if seeing again for the first time. Join us as we talk about the variety of ways to engage in a Visio Divina prayer practice.Additional ResourcesPodcast: Ep 143 What is…Kataphatic Prayer from The Contemplative LifeHashtagsImages, Soul Collage, Iconography, Imaginative Prayer, Transformation, Modern Icons, Contemplative Prayer, IlluminationSign up for our newsletter here: https://foundrysc.com/about/newsletter

Listen in and practice Visio Divina. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wellingtonheightschurch/support

“Sacred art is true and beautiful when its form corresponds to its particular vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God – the surpassing invisible beauty of truth and love visible in Christ” (CCC 2052). As the Church in the United States seeks to foster a Eucharistic revival, might the beauty of sacred art be a privileged avenue for teaching all the faithful––along with those estranged from the Church––to discover anew the resplendent beauty of our Eucharistic Lord? In a new book organized around 12 works of sacred art with Eucharistic themes, my guest today has laid out a path for us to journey together to the beauty of God. Jem Sullivan is the author of Way of Beauty: Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement through Visio Divina, which is out now from Our Sunday Visitor. Dr. Sullivan is Associate Professor of Catechetics in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America. In addition to Way of Beauty, she is also the author of several other books, including The Beauty of Faith: Using Sacred Art to Spread the Good News and Believe, Celebrate, Live, Pray: A Weekly Walk with the Catechism. She joins me today to talk about Eucharistic Amazement, sacred art, the practice of visio divina, and our transformation as Christians through the presence and the calling of Jesus Christ.Follow up Resources:Way of Beauty: Rekindling Eucharistic Amazement through Visio Divina, by Jem Sullivan (OSV 2023)“Our Eucharistic God, with Jonathan Ciraulo” via Church Life Today“The Past, Present, and Future of the Eucharist, with Michael Hahn” via Church Life Today“Redeeming Vision from Pornography, with Steve Pokorny” via Church Life TodayThis episode is sponsored by Religious Freedom Week 2023, http://www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeekChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Show notesWhat is visio divina, Viv?And how do you do that?What you're saying is that it's something we do all the time.—it's just taking a little extra pause or intentionality with what we're seeing?Can I do visio with nature… look out my window?What is your practice? Do you find a painting and say, “I'm gonna spend a half hour with this?”So it would be a little like sitting down to read a book. I'm gonna sit down and read visually, like a painting or a scene. Is that how you would do it?What is your practice for selecting a piece to use and how do you get a certain space in your house or what?You mentioned you don't watch television. Does that tie in?How does this fit into the practice of retreat, or does it?How does that practice [of choosing art for a space] tie into retreat … for example, you've built a retreat house?What do you look for when you go on retreat?What kind of experiences are you hoping to craft with the retreats at the house?...Find out more about Vivianne's retreat house, Vilayala.

Bette Dickinson is a visual artist, writer, and speaker who invites audiences to connect with God through visual parables of the spiritual journey. Through creative communication, she helps her audience awaken to the beauty of God and His Kingdom and see more clearly the eternal realm in the heart and in the world. Through her work, Dickinson helps her audience connect the inner life of spiritual formation with the outer life of mission.Bette earned her Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Pastoral Studies, is ordained in the Reformed Church in America, and serves with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Spiritual Formation.In this special bonus episode, Bette shares about her new book, Making Rood in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder (IVP, 2022). Bette will be hosting an online “Visio Divina” with the Makers & Mystics collective on Sunday, November 27th at 8 pm EST. Register to attend here. Music in this episode is provided by: Caroline Cobb.If you'd like a deeper experience with this Advent meditation, Bette is offering an audio guided Visio Divina practice of one of the paintings from her book. Text "WONDER" to 55444 and follow the prompts. You can get the image of the painting and audio guide in your inbox.