Learing to Pray With the Arts
Seattle Presbytery
"But for the person who knows why he calls himself a Christian, none of the events in the life of Jesus Christ can be of no consequence. All of them concern us and have a mysterious and profound significance and relevance today." - Hans Urs von Balthasar
The Supper at Emmaus - Caravaggio
The purpose of “Praying with the Arts” is to provide a venue for listening to God through masterpieces of art. The retreats offer space in our frenetic culture to reflect, receive, and respond to our Triune God. Participants are invited into a deeper communion with God through the riches of the arts as inspiration for prayer.
Click here to learn more about Louise's upcoming retreat: Meditations on Holy Week, Saturday, March 23.
During the past several years, Rev. M. Louise Holert has offered “Praying with the Arts” retreats in the greater Seattle area, as well as in Vancouver, BC. Because the liturgical year provides an annual rhythm for reflection on the major events of salvation history, her primary focus is illuminating the liturgical year -- from Advent to the Ascension -- through devotional art. Louise also offers presentations on additional themes such as faith, fear, desolation, consolation, and gratitude. The format is guided meditation on masterpieces of devotional art with relevant Scripture texts, accompanied by poetry and sacred music.
In addition to presenting two annual retreats at St. Mary-on-the Lake in Bellevue, Louise is also available to lead “Praying with the Arts” events in churches. The material can be customized for single or multiple sessions and 1/2 day or weekend retreats.
Comments of people who have attended retreats:
"The artwork is helpful in creating an image of a particular passage in Scripture…it helps me to connect to the emotions of the characters in the text. I believe, the music that is chosen helps me to rest in the truth. To take the truth into my heart.. And, the content is rich and deep." Micheal, Cascade Community Church
"Meditating on the art and the Scripture together, opened me up to a new way to receive from the Holy Spirit. Something came up for me that I was not expecting, and I was able to come to a place of release, forgiveness, and freedom." Rosann, Capital Hill Presbyterian Church
"This ministry is a particular blessing to those of us who serve in smaller churches. Louise recently led our monthly women's association gathering in a prayer experience with art. The women appreciated the ways they were invited to pray with the Scripture, to notice the artist's interpretation of the text, and to make application to their lives. We look forward to another visit from Louise in the coming year." Pastor Amy, Edmonds Presbyterian Church
For further information, please contact Louise at: holertml@aol.com or visit Louise’s website: www.prayingwiththearts.com