Pictures & Images

[rodan]

Anyone find it helpful to stare at a picture or image of a saint while praying, meditating, or placing an intent?

For instance, a picture of Jesus, ( or whomever you feel can assist you ), place it on a table, light a candle, relax. Think of your intent, pray for what it is you want.

Just wondering if those who do use pictures have better results in their prayers.

[Theophila]

Originally Posted by rodan

Anyone find it helpful to stare at a picture or image of a saint while praying, meditating, or placing an intent?

For instance, a picture of Jesus, ( or whomever you feel can assist you ), place it on a table, light a candle, relax. Think of your intent, pray for what it is you want.

Just wondering if those who do use pictures have better results in their prayers.

Growing up as an orthodox christian , icons played an important part in our homes...
We usually reserve a spot where we place a few icons of deities, particularly ones we feel an attraction to( I have the Angels ) and we have a oil type votive in front and its where we pray. I used to paint icons myself which was very fulfilling .
It was judged later by other religions that it was idol ing the object but that is not the purpose.
The purpose is to visually remind us of these deities, just like when we have a loved deceased in a picture around, to visualise, keep in mind, remeber.....
I couldn't pray and meditate without them, they are my pictures of my divine family ..... It's comforting in the home to have this little shrine....

I use tarot cards a lot in meditation.

[ocean breeze]

i think a picture of a dead body in the morgue or casket may help me focus on whats really important in my life. just visualize it being your own body. i usually just use my imagination but i think a picture would be better.

[Jared.L]

Originally Posted by rodan

Anyone find it helpful to stare at a picture or image of a saint while praying, meditating, or placing an intent?

For instance, a picture of Jesus, ( or whomever you feel can assist you ), place it on a table, light a candle, relax. Think of your intent, pray for what it is you want.

Just wondering if those who do use pictures have better results in their prayers.

I think it is not necessary....IT is said that we shell not create an idols!

[Earth Healer]

For instance, a picture of Jesus, ( or whomever you feel can assist you ), place it on a table, light a candle, relax. Think of your intent, pray for what it is you want

In my practice doing what you describe is pretty much it. When I use an image, it is to recognize in me whatever is represented by that image. It is indeed setting an intention upon which I wish to focus. Nice insight, rodan.