January/February 2026 - The Transfiguration of Jesus

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.

Look at The Transfiguration of Jesus 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.

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. Consider the following questions:

• Who are the figures in this painting? What traits or symbols help you to identify them? 
• How does this image challenge or enhance your visualization of this Bible story? (See Matt. 17:1-8). 
• 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 image courtesy of ArtWay. ©Augustin Kolawole Olayinka. Prints of cover art are available from olayinkakolawole64@gmail.com