( Video and Discussion)
What is the history and significance of prayer postures?
There is a lot of talk these days about body language and how we communicate feelings, thoughts and moods by the way we position our body. Spiritual practices have intentionally used various postures and gestures in prayer. Our physical position and gestures are symbolic as well as efficacious. They not only point to a greater reality (symbolic) but also really help put us in tune with God and our spiritual selves (efficacious).
Prayer postures also help us focus on our prayer. Many great spiritual directors saw the connection between the body being at peace and the inner self also being at peace. One necessarily affected the other. The body is part of the expression of prayer. So when we kneel we express reverence. When we pray with open hands, we are in a posture of acceptance and openness. When we are prostrate, we are in a posture of supplication. When we sit, we are in a posture of listening. Dancing expresses great joy while hands folded over one’s face focuses our attention and blocks out distractions. Other gestures and positions maybe meaningful as you pray. St. Ignatius said that movement in prayer indicates the moods and changes that occur when a person prays. With prayer, it’s not just in our heads, but in and through our whole being-body, mind and soul!
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