Nourish Your Spirit Online

Read one sister's reflection on using photography in her prayer life:

Sister Sharon Hollander

Photography as Prayer

Contemplation sometimes has been described as taking "a long, loving look." Using photography, one can practice this way of looking at the world, seeing and appreciating God's presence around us. It is, in a sense, an exercise in seeing things through God's eyes.

Nature in particular is permeated with God's presence. It is a reflection of God's beauty, love, tenderness, and wonder. If we let our senses take in the magnificent variety present in nature, we will find God. Use photography to focus on the beauties of God's creation. Capture an expression of one of the infinite ways in which God gives expression to self. Meditate with a long, loving look.

Suggestions

• With camera in hand, give yourself over to a leisurely walk outdoors or sit outside and rest in God's presence. Open your senses to see, to touch, to smell, to hear the richness of your surroundings.

• When you feel drawn to a particular tree, a single rose, a butterfly, a spider web, a bird's nest, a peaceful sunset, simply be with the creative expression of God's love. Be aware of any thoughts or feelings that stir within you.

• Be attentive to God speaking to you in your surroundings. As you feel moved, capture the moment with your camera.

• You may want to describe your experience of God in what you saw in your journal.

© 2009 Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana