Praying with Sacred Art

Kate Taliaferro reviews Derek Rotty's prayerful guide to visio divina. 

Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption Through Visio Divina

By Derek Rotty

Published by Sophia Institute Press

I love a book that I will be able to return to again and again. In Praying with Sacred Art: Pondering the Mystery of Redemption Through Visio Divina, Derek Rotty has created such a book. The practice of praying with sacred art has a long history in the Christian tradition. However, for those of us who aren’t painters or schooled in the finer details of light, shadow, perspective, and symbolism, many of these great works may elude us even as we attempt to pray with them. Though not exhaustive — indeed, that would be impossible — Rotty has carefully curated a selection of paintings and paired them will accessible, informative, and most importantly, prayerful essays which can help guide our time of prayer. 

In the Introduction, Rotty points out God speaks to the human heart through beauty and that, through the skills given by the Father, artists can “bring more beauty into the world through artistic work.” Art, in particular sacred art, seeks to bring us into deeper communion and conversation with God. Visio Divina is, in essence, “a human person’s effort to gaze into the divine … It allows us to gaze upon beauty so that the windows into our souls might let in the truly good light provided by the Holy Spirit.” 

Structure of This Book

Beginning with Advent and Christmas, Rotty moves the reader through four distinct sections of artwork and essays:

1. Advent and Christmas
2. Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
3. Jesus’ childhood
4. Jesus’ public ministry

Highlighting Elements to Engage With in Prayer

In the essays themselves, Rotty highlights a variety of artistic elements for the reader to slowly and prayerfully engage with. Highlights and shadows draw the eye to certain characters. A glance in one direction indicates a theme. The vibrancy of color demonstrates a divine quality when contrasted with the muted colors that surround. All of these are things any person can see with their untrained eyes, but Rotty draws them to the fore and offers thoughtful reflections about why they are important both to the piece and our own prayer. Rotty offers clear and concise observations that draw the reader deeper into conversation with the piece and serve as a springboard into deeper conversation with God. 

This is not a book to be “gotten through,” nor is it one that I think I can ever really “finish.” Because of the nature of prayer and reflection, I can return to these art pieces year after year, discovering them afresh as I change and grow. Additionally, after spending time with Rotty’s essays, my own artistic knowledge and eye have grown. I am more attentive to circular patterns, more aware of the choice of color, and curious to follow the gaze of the characters depicted. This book has encouraged me to slow down when viewing a piece of art and to really consider what God might be sharing with me through it. 

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Copyright 2025 Kate Taliaferro
Images: Canva