Praying with Icons

Icons are like a window to spiritual realities. They give us images to contemplate, from images of Christ to biblical stories and saints. They are idealized in a way to make them look unreal, communicating that the truths they present are spiritual in nature. They often play with perspective, putting the viewer in the scene depicted. The forms and composition of icons come from a long tradition. Everything is purposeful to communicate spiritual truths. This includes color, symbol, landscape, and forms.

Movements to the practice

• What do you see? What can you identify?

• Lovingly contemplate the icon. Can you feel love for the figure depicted?

• Imagine yourself in the scene. Where or who are you?

• Use your body to mirror the poses and expressions. What do you feel?

• Does anything seem strange about the perspective or forms? What might they be there to communicate?

• Try drawing the icon for yourself.

Resources

TED Talk: Classically trained iconographer, Lynette Hull, draws fascinating parallels between contemporary and ancient "icons."