Contemplative Prayer: Praying with Icons

Mar 12, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

Christ is the icon of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15)

Praying with icons is another contemplative prayer practice drawn from the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christians started drawing pictures of Jesus out of love and devotion almost from the beginning. After much debate, the church affirmed this practice, ruling that since Jesus had come to earth as the image or icon of God, it was acceptable to make an image of the image. Icons and other images of Jesus can help people connect to Jesus in a way that goes beyond words. As the psalmist says, all that is within us should bless God. This includes our artistic and visual capabilities.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name (Psalm 102:1)

In the Orthodox Church, icons are considered “Windows into Heaven.” The icons are prayed through, not prayed to. They are a way to connect to Jesus, like looking at photos of beloved family members helps to bring them close.

Icons are full of symbolism. In the Holy Apostles icon below, the red robe represents Jesus’ humanity and the blue cloak his divinity. He holds the gospel. The letters IC XC represent a Greek abbreviation for Jesus Christ. Jesus’ fingers form the same letters. The touching fingers not only form the C, but represent the two natures of Christ. The other three fingers form the crossed X and the I, but also represent the three parts of the Trinity. The Greek letters ΩΟΝ on the cross around Jesus’ head are the Greek for “He who is” a reference to the divine name of God. Icons always represent more than meets the eye. As you pray, focus through the image to help you see into the eyes and heart of the living Christ.