Hand Positions
i want to thank you for your most helpful MOVEMENTS AND POSTURES answer to my last question. This leads me to one last question on this subject.
QUESTION from Arnold on January 6, 2004
i feel a need to be at least minimally expressive in my prayer posture; i notice that almost everyone (even nuns and priests) except some deacons just stand there with hands at their sides like they are watching the sun set or something (i've noticed though sometimes deacons have hands in together in prayer.
As for me i prefer to stand or when appropriate kneel with my hands together in prayer. (Like acolytes used to do and like angels in paintings).
I find this helps me stay focused and is an aide to mental prayer and helps remind the people around me that i am not at Mass to chat -- i find it really focuses my worship and sets a very focused spiritual atmosphere- maybe it even reminds my friends who only occasionally attend Mass that it is holy.
BUT
am i wrong to do it??? Usually i'm the only one doing this or maybe one person other than me will have hands together in prayer. I tend to keep them that way thru most of the Mass as it helps keep my mind in a state of recollection. (i am a convert)
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on January 11, 2004
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Dear Arnold, No, you are not wrong. For the reasons that you have mentioned, it is very good to hold your hands in prayer. Don't feel intimidated if others don't around you, rather, try to start a new trend in your parish. Don't feel embarrassed about it. In more reverent parishes today and in the past you will see many or most people holding there hands together in prayer. Anyone who looks at you during Mass will be reminded that they are there to pray. Also, a good position for your hands while seated is to place them on your knees.. this is a good posture for listening and will help you to pay attention during the readings and homily. Mr. Slavek |
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