“Christ Pantocrator”

For this piece, you will do the prayer exercise twice. The first time, cover half of Jesus’ face (left or right side). Then do the exercise again covering the other side. Notice the differences in your reflections.

Get comfortable, breathe, clear your mind, and ask God to be with you in this time of prayer. Ask God to speak to you through this image.

Let your eyes pause and focus on the part of the image they’re first drawn to. Look at just that part of the image for a minute or two.

Now look at the whole image.

• Is there a word that comes to mind as you look at it

• What thoughts or questions does this image raise?

• What emotions do you feel?

• Does a name for God come to mind? A scripture?

• What title would you give this piece?

Pray through the words, images, emotions, questions, and thoughts that came up for you. Rest in God’s presence, trusting that God is with you even if you don’t “feel” it

As you step out of prayer and into your week,

continue to watch for God. Notice where Jesus is at work in the world, “hidden in plain sight.”

For more information about this piece, see below

• About the artist

  “Christ Pantocrator” of Saint Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest Byzantine religious icons, dating from the 6th century AD. The earliest known surviving depiction of Jesus Christ as Pantocrator (literally ruler of all), it is regarded by historians and scholars among the most important and recognizable works in the study of Byzantine art as well as Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christianity.

  For a time, the icon was thought to have dated from the 13th century, since it had been almost completely painted over at that time. It was concluded in 1962 that it is from the mid-sixth century, although the exact date of production is still unknown.  When Saint Catherine's Monastery was founded by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, late in his reign, between 548 and 565, it enjoyed imperial patronage and donations from Justinian and his court, with the Christ Pantocrator icon having been one of the many possible imperial gifts. Because of this, it is generally believed to have been produced in the Byzantine capital of Constantinople.

• About This Piece

  Many agree that the icon represents the dual nature of Christ, illustrating traits of both man and God. Christ's features on his right side (the viewer's left) are supposed to represent the qualities of his human nature, while his left side (the viewer's right) represents his divinity. His right hand is shown opening outward, signifying his gift of blessing, while the left hand and arm are clutching a thick Gospel book.