# 60 - Icon Prayers

Pray with eyes wide open. Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons (i.e. pictures or symbols) is an ancient practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open, taking into our heart what the image, symbol, or icon visually communicates. Popular icons used in prayer are the empty cross, the crusifix, a candle, a visual of the sky, a picture (praying hands, Jesus at Gethsemane, etc.) a smooth stone. Find a icon that represents God to you, something that will help your thoughts to rise heavenward. Meditate, and let its image inform your prayer.