DELGADO: Visio Divina and the art of prayer and the prayer of art

A painting of the Blessed Mother by Valerie Delgado (Photo courtesy of Valerie Delgado)When we think about prayer, many of us imagine quiet moments with folded hands, rosary beads between our fingers, or Scripture resting on our laps. 

Prayer often looks like silence, stillness or whispered words. But what if prayer could also be picked up with a paintbrush, molded from clay, or captured in a sketch? 

For me, creating art feels like stepping out of the noise of the world and into a quiet, sacred space with the Father. It’s less about the finished product and more about the process itself: the wandering of the mind, the wondering of the heart and the conversations that naturally rise up with God. In those moments of creativity, I’m not worried about perfection or technique. Instead, I find myself resting in the presence of the One who designed sunsets, galaxies and every detail of my life. 

Our Byzantine brothers and sisters understand this deeply. Their icons are not simply religious images but prayers, crafted with great intention and reverence. Icon writers fast and pray as they work, inviting the Holy Spirit into each layer of paint. In their tradition, prayer happens twice: once in the creation, and again in contemplation. It’s a reminder that art is not only a reflection of God’s beauty, but also a meeting place with Him. 

When I create, I often find myself talking to the Lord about the people I’m painting, the emotions I’m carrying, or the Scripture that’s inspiring the piece. Sometimes I simply sit in silence and let the Spirit guide my hands. In those moments, art becomes more than an activity; it becomes prayer. It’s not an escape from life but a way of stepping more fully into it, seeing the world as God sees it. 

The beautiful thing is that this kind of prayer isn’t reserved for “artists.” In fact, children model it better than we do. Hand them crayons, and they’ll dive in without hesitation. They mix colors boldly, fill pages with shapes only they understand, and draw with freedom that many of us have forgotten. Their openness reminds us that God isn’t looking for masterpieces; He’s looking for hearts that are willing. Creating art with Him is a way of saying, “Lord, I’m here. This moment is for You.” 

As parents and grandparents, you have a special opportunity to invite children into this space. Imagine sitting together at the kitchen table, crayons and pencils scattered, doodling in silence, and letting your hearts naturally turn toward prayer. Art slows us down. It makes space for conversation. It creates moments where faith is not only taught but experienced. 
One beautiful way to pray with art is through visio divina, or “divine seeing.” 

Much like lectio divina, which uses Scripture, visio divina invites us to encounter God through images. Here’s how it works: 

Choose a sacred image — an icon, a crucifix, a painting of the Nativity, or even a child’s drawing. 

Sit in stillness. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart. Notice what draws your attention. Is it a color, an expression, a small detail? 

Reflect: “Lord, what are You showing me through this?” 

Respond with gratitude, prayer or simply resting in His presence. 

Practicing visio divina as a family can be eye-opening. Children often notice details we overlook, and their wonder helps us see God in new ways. 

This week, I encourage you to set aside just 15 minutes to create something with God. Grab whatever you have (paper, pencils, paint or clay). Begin with a short prayer, then allow your hands to move as your heart listens. Invite your children or grandchildren to join you, and when you’re done, place your creations somewhere visible. Let them be reminders that God speaks not only through words but also through colors, shapes and silence. 

Art invites us to slow down and breathe. It’s a way of praying with our hands, listening with our eyes, and encountering God in beauty. The Creator delights in co-creating with us, and when we give Him this space, we discover that these quiet moments of creativity are not escapes from the everyday, they are doorways into the very heart of God the Father. 

Valerie Delgado is the associate coordinator of communications at Prince of Peace Parish in Houston.