Visio Divina: A Guided Practice with “The Divine Commission”
December 22, 2025
In these final days of Advent, as we remember President Jimmy Carter—Naval officer, peacemaker, and faithful servant who entered eternal rest just weeks ago—this luminous image offers us a beautiful doorway into prayer.
It shows a distinguished Navy officer standing beside a radiant angel who extends a scroll, while a shaft of heavenly light breaks through the clouds over a tranquil river valley. Framed like a sacred icon, the scene speaks of divine encounter, quiet courage, and lifelong service.
Let us enter into visio divina—the prayerful practice of “sacred seeing”—together.
Set aside 15–20 minutes in a quiet place.
Have the image before you (on screen or printed).
Breathe slowly and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your gaze.
Visio Divina Practice
1. Prepare Your HeartSit comfortably.
Take three slow, deep breaths.
Pray silently or aloud:Come, Holy Spirit.
Open my eyes to see as You see.
Open my heart to receive whatever You wish to show me today.
Amen.
2. Gaze (3–5 minutes)
Look at the image without rushing. Let your eyes move naturally.
Notice:
- The officer’s posture—attentive, respectful, unafraid.
- The angel’s gentle expression and the scroll offered like a gift.
- The beam of light descending from heaven to earth.
- The calm river, the trees, the peaceful landscape bathed in divine glow.
- The ornate border that frames it all like a window into eternity.
Rest your gaze on whatever draws you most. Simply be present.
3. Reflect (5 minutes)
Ask the Lord to speak through what you see.
Ponder these questions gently:
- Where do I notice light breaking into darkness in this image? Where is it breaking into my own life?
- What might the scroll say if I could read it? What message is God extending to me in this season?
- The officer stands ready to receive. What am I being invited to receive—perhaps a new call, a letting go, or a deeper trust?
- How does Jimmy Carter’s life of service echo in this scene for me today?
Let thoughts, memories, or feelings rise and fall without judgment. If your mind wanders, gently return to the image.
4. Respond in Prayer (3–5 minutes)
Speak to God from your heart:
- Thank Him for moments when you have sensed His guidance, perhaps in duty, transition, or uncertainty.
- Offer any fears or resistance you carry about the “scroll” He may be extending to you now.
- Ask for the courage of St. Joseph and the humility of President Carter to say, “Here I am, Lord.”
You may wish to journal a word, phrase, or image that lingers.
5. Rest (2 minutes)Return to silent gazing.
Let everything settle.
Rest in God’s loving presence, as the officer rests in the angel’s message.
Close with a simple prayer:
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, shine in my heart today. Help me walk the path You set before me with faith and peace.
Amen.
May this practice draw you closer to the God who still sends angels with scrolls of hope—and who calls ordinary servants to extraordinary love.
“Do not be afraid… for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20)
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
0
1 comment
Visio Divina: A Guided Practice with “The Divine Commission”
powered by
skool.com/spiritual-direction-for-vets-2268
Archangel Warriors' Haven: Veterans gather in sacred circles for group spiritual direction, contemplative practices, & faith-fueled resilience
Suggested communities
Powered by