At our Wednesday night contemplative service, we are invited to spend time praying with icons. Here is a short explanation of how and why we do this that you might find helpful.

“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.” 

Holy Trinity Icon
Though the word Trinity is not found in the scriptures, it is the teaching of Jesus and implicit in New Testament theology that within the unity of God there is a distinction of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All are one, yet are three.

This icon is based upon the ancient story of Abraham and Sarah who encountered three visitors (Genesis 18). In traditional Christian thought, these three visitors, or angels, are believed to foreshadow contemplation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity.

Often the angel at center is associated with Christ, while the angel on the left is God the Father and the angel on the right is God the Holy Spirit. The posture and placement of the three form a circle symbolic of eternal unity in the Holy Trinity.”

Taken from: http://upperroom.org/methodx/thelife/prayermethods/icons.asp?act=deeper&iStep=1&item_id=56279

For further reading and reflection with icons check out this book from the church library: Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons by Henri J. M. Nouwen, copyright © 1987 Ave Marie Press.  Bottom of Form