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Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons
is an ancient prayer practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open,
taking into our heart what the image visually communicates. We focus not on
what is seen in the icon, but rather on what is seen through it -- the love
of God expressed through God's creatures.
This is prayer without words, with a focus on being in God's presence
rather than performing in God's presence. It is a right-brain experience of
touching and feeling what is holy -- a divine mystery. Icons are not simply
art; they are a way into contemplative prayer, and are therefore one way
to let God speak to us. They are doorways into stillness, into closeness
with God. If we sit with them long enough, we too can enter into the
stillness, into the communion . And if we listen to them closely enough,
with our hearts, we just may discern the voice of God.
Ready to try it?
NEXT STEP... Choose Icon »
For further reading:
Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons by Henri J. M. Nouwen, copyright © 1987 Ave Marie Press.
Praying with Icons by Jim Forest, copyright © 1997 Orbis Books.
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