JourneyTalk: Icons
A conversation on the Spiritual Life for Pastors of the SELC District of the LCMS
at Antiochian Orthodox Village Retreat Center
Ligonier, Pennsylvania
May 5, 2010
"Reading" Icons as Lectio Divina
Icons are not really works of art, although there is a wonderful art to them. They are works of devotion and, like the icons on your computer, serve as entrances into the world of the Spirit. Although they portray historical people and historical events, they are not meant to portray them with any degree of historical accuracy - instead, the purpose of the icon is to give the viewer the opportunity to contemplate, to meditate, to pray using the icon as a stepping off point. In a way, you can think of using the steps in lectio divina as a way to "read" the icon. I'll describe that in a moment.
This page shows several icons that are in the chapel at the Antiochian Village Retreat Center of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdioces, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It should be noted that these are my personal photographs of these icons.
This icon is Christ the Pantocrator (Ruler of All). Some variation of this icon is on the ceiling of many Orthodox sanctuaries. In this one, Jesus is seated on the seaphim, as represented on the Ark of the Covenant. His hands are outstretched in blessing.
To "read" the icon as lectio divina -
As you look at this icon, please ponder these questions in prayer:
(1) What else do your eyes see as they look at this icon?
(2) What detail of the icon is the Holy Spirit drawing your eyes and your heart to? What is it that the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell you?
(3) How might you like to respond to His urging?
(4) Take some time just to rest in the love of the Father and embrace this moment in His peace.
This page shows several icons that are in the chapel at the Antiochian Village Retreat Center of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdioces, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It should be noted that these are my personal photographs of these icons.
This icon is Christ the Pantocrator (Ruler of All). Some variation of this icon is on the ceiling of many Orthodox sanctuaries. In this one, Jesus is seated on the seaphim, as represented on the Ark of the Covenant. His hands are outstretched in blessing.
To "read" the icon as lectio divina -
As you look at this icon, please ponder these questions in prayer:
(1) What else do your eyes see as they look at this icon?
(2) What detail of the icon is the Holy Spirit drawing your eyes and your heart to? What is it that the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell you?
(3) How might you like to respond to His urging?
(4) Take some time just to rest in the love of the Father and embrace this moment in His peace.
Icon of Saint John the Apostle
Along with his scribe. A basket of completed scrolls is in a niche in the background, awaiting the completion of others.
(1) What else do your eyes see as they look at this icon?
(2) What detail of the icon is the Holy Spirit drawing your eyes and your heart to? What is it that the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell you?
(3) How might you like to respond to His urging?
(4) Take some time just to rest in the love of the Father and embrace this moment in His peace.
(1) What else do your eyes see as they look at this icon?
(2) What detail of the icon is the Holy Spirit drawing your eyes and your heart to? What is it that the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell you?
(3) How might you like to respond to His urging?
(4) Take some time just to rest in the love of the Father and embrace this moment in His peace.
Icon of the Temptation of Saint Anthony
Saint Anthony was one of the Desert Fathers, who fled to the desert to protest the secularization of Christianity and to free themselves from attachment to all the allures of "civilization" so that they could become closer to God. In his desert isolation, Saint Anthony was severely tempted by all manner of beasts and demons, yet in this icon the hand of the Father is sustaining him.
(1) What else do your eyes see as they look at this icon?
(2) What detail of the icon is the Holy Spirit drawing your eyes and your heart to? How is He relating that detail to your life? What monsters and demons surround you with temptation? What is it that the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell you?
(3) How might you respond to His urging?
(4) Take some time to rest in the sustaining hand of your Father, and rejoice in the peace that He gives you in the midst of temptation.
(1) What else do your eyes see as they look at this icon?
(2) What detail of the icon is the Holy Spirit drawing your eyes and your heart to? How is He relating that detail to your life? What monsters and demons surround you with temptation? What is it that the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell you?
(3) How might you respond to His urging?
(4) Take some time to rest in the sustaining hand of your Father, and rejoice in the peace that He gives you in the midst of temptation.
