In the year 1411, St. Andrei Rublev, a Russian Orthodox Christian Artist, painted The Hospitality of Abraham for the Trinity Monastery in Russia. It is considered a portrayal of the Holy Trinity, depicting the three strangers who visited Abraham in Genesis 18. The painting shows the three visitors resting under a shade tree, accepting Abraham’s hospitality with a meal and foot-washing, as they share with Abraham that his wife, Sarah, would soon have a son. Rublev was the first to paint this scene as One Lord, with each of the three visitors being of equal size, likely representing the Trinity of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Throughout history, artists have created paintings, icons, and statues expressing deep meaning and insight. These are an incredible gift to us today, but a quick glance can hardly provide the understanding that the artist intends. Visio Divina is a spiritual practice that can guide us toward a deeper understanding of the story and message portrayed through art. Translated from Latin, Visio Divina means “divine seeing.” It is a way of seeing God as we prayerfully invite him to speak to our hearts through gazing upon nature or an image. By incorporating art into prayer, Visio divina invites us to bring our sense of sight, as well as our imagination, into our relationship with God.
Follow the Visio Divina steps below in order to experience a new perspective on Genesis 18 through Rublev’s painting of the Trinity (also known as the Hospitality of Abraham). You can view the painting here.
Step 1: Quiet your soul in God’s presence.
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Step 2: Gaze at the image with openness, seeking to see God’s heart.
Notice the shapes, the colors, and the lighting.
Notice the detail of the background and the foreground.
Step 3: Notice what stirs within you.
What responses, memories, or feelings does the image evoke?
How does the image connect to your own life?
Why do you think God is drawing you in this way?
Do you sense an invitation or a calling?
Don’t rush… take your time.
Step 4: Notice each character.
What emotions do you notice in the expressions of each character?
What details do you see differentiating them from each other?
What do you notice in their relationship to each other?
What feelings do you notice within yourself as you consider each character?
Step 5: Talk with God about what you see and feel.
Name the emotions that are stirring within you.
To what is God calling you through this experience with him?
How will you respond to him?
Theologian Henri Nouwen had a particular eye for experiencing God through art. For him, this painting was an expression of God’s “House of Love” — where ALL are invited, and the doors are never closed.
As you conclude this exercise, what name would you give this painting? How does it connect deep within your soul?
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director