November-December 2025 - The Annunciation

Visio divina* invites us to encounter the Divine through prayerful consideration of and interaction with an image.  Follow the steps below to include a few moments of divine seeing in your devotional time.

1. Look at The Annunciation on the cover of this issue of The Upper Room and let your eyes stay with the very first thing that you see. Keep your attention on the part of the image that first catches your eye. Breathe slowly and deeply as you gaze at that part of the image for a minute or so. 
2. Now take time to study every part of the image — the colors, the movement, the textures, the story being presented. Reflect on the image for a few moments. 
3. Consider the following questions:
   • How do you imagine Mary is feeling in this painting? What colors, lines, and clues lead you to that conclusion? 
   • How does this image challenge or enhance your visualization of this Bible story? (See Lk. 1:26-38). 
   • What new questions arise in you as you study this image? What emotions does it evoke in you? 
   • What prayers take form in you after reflecting on this image? Write them down or offer them to God.

*For more on visio divina, visit https://www.upperroom.org/resources/visio-divina

Cover art courtesy of Daniel Bonnell. ©Daniel Bonnell. Prints of cover art are available from www.BonnellArt.com