Lenten Images

Did you make taking pictures daily (or at least often) a part of your Lenten practice? Good for you! Now, what are you going to do with them?

I have an idea. Why don't you incorporate them into your spiritual practice and prayer life? Here are some ways you can do that:

If you keep a prayer journal of any kind – a place where you write down your thoughts and the feelings of your heart – you can include photos in several ways. Connecting captured visual images with your written words and prayers can add a helpful dimension to your prayers.

It doesn't matter which you start with – the images or the prayers. If you already have some prayers written down, try to connect a photo to them. Review the prayers, then review the photos. Are there any that seem connected? Is there something in one of the pictures that reminds you of a prayer's subject, or that represents hope or God's promise? Tie the two together in written form, describing the prayer concern and the image together, in parallel or in contrast.

You can also begin with the photos and use them as jumping-off places for prayer. After you settle down for prayer or meditation, with your prayer concerns fresh on your heart and mind, review your pictures and choose one. Examine it closely. What do you see "hidden in plain sight"? Perhaps something unexpected or out of the ordinary; something that reminds you of a truth or promise from God that regularly shows up in your life. Use this as a metaphor for your prayers, writing words of comfort and strength for the people and circumstances on your heart, connecting the image and the prayer via the metaphor or personifying your picture with the prayer concern.

Use the picture and its components (animate and inanimate objects in the scene) to bring out the truths that you feel in the depths of your soul – truths about God and life, love, hope, grace, and forgiveness. Whether or not you choose to share these with anyone is up to you. Either way – shared or not – I'd love to hear about your experiences with the process. You can reply on the blog, or respond privately by email: dabar96@gmail.com

© 2015 Todd Jenkins