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Praying
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Icons are written, not drawn. Iconography is a gift ... there is much prayer that is woven into the artwork and I often feel drawn right into the presence of God through a well-written icon. Icons are visual tools that tell the Christian story in images and color. If you would like to try praying with an icon, the first step is to find an icon of good quality. You can find icons online that can work for you. An alternative would be to find a good bookstore or seller of icons and purchase an icon. You should choose one that intrigues you or draws your attention for some reason. Praying with an icon is the same whether you pray online or in person with your icon ...
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"What good is it to me if Mary gave birth to the Son of God fourteen hundred years ago and I do not also give birth to the Son of God in my time and in my culture?
We are all meant to be Mothers of God." ~Meister Eckhart (15th century German mystic)
We are all meant to be Mothers of God." ~Meister Eckhart (15th century German mystic)
This is how I pray with an icon: I prepare my icon if I am using a tangible icon rather than using one I've found one online. I find it is better to put the icon on a dark background. The icon should be illuminated ... I use one small candle to light up the face of the icon. I sit in the silence before the icon in a position of comfort so that I am able to gaze into it. Over time the icon begins to examine me as I examine it ... As I come to "know" my icon I find the symbolism of it that speaks to me in that moment.