"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:
...to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek Him in His temple."
Psalm 27:4

Praying with the Arts

Retreats or single sessions where prayer,
art, poetry, music, and Scripture meet


    To experience the riches of the arts as inspiration for prayer
  • Purpose:
    • A deeper communion with the LORD, engaging seeing and hearing, heart and mind, in contemplative prayer
  • Goal:
    • Guided meditation on masterpieces of devotional art and poetry, with sacred music and relevant Scripture texts
  • Format:




"We must be still and still moving
into another intensity
for a further union, a deeper communion..."
Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot


Available by Invitation:
Rev. M. Louise Holert
mlholert@gmail.com

Praying with the Arts:
Illuminating the Church Year with Sacred Art
by M. Louise Holert

Beginning with the Annunciation to the celebration of Christ the King, Praying with the Arts celebrates the church year in Scripture and sacred art.  Thirty-one full color masterpieces of art illustrate the major events in the life of Jesus Christ.

Suggestions for reflection on each painting and relevant Scripture texts invite a prayerful engagement and response, encouraging fresh encounters with God, while aiding the reader “to descend with the mind into the heart.”

The book is a compilation of retreat material developed by Louise for “Praying with the Arts” retreats over the past fourteen years and can be used as a prayer companion by individuals or groups.  Offering Scripture and art together, “art for faith’s sake,” the purpose is holistic listening and responding to God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In the words of T. S. Eliot, ”We must be still and still moving into another intensity for a further union, a deeper communion.”

The book is available directly from Louise for $25 or from Amazon.

The Supper at Emmaus - Caravaggio