Scripture
But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to God who
is in that secret place, and your God—who sees all that is done in
secret—will reward you.
—Matthew 6:6 The Inclusive New
Testament
Reflection
Moses prayed with his arms raised to God. David prayed lying on his
bed. Sometimes he even danced. The prophets prayed in freedom, in
captivity, in torture, and in exile. African brothers and sisters dance
and sing their prayers before God. Jesus prayed standing and on his
knees—and on a cross.
It would seem that there are no scriptural restrictions as to how we
present our prayers to God, only that we do it. The body posture for each
of these prayers matched the pray-er’s intentional approach to the Divine.
Have you ever done as the psalms direct and lifted your hands
spontaneously in praise? Have you ever been driven to your knees or even
flat to the ground by the intensity of your prayer? How long has it been
since you knelt by your bed or bowed your head in prayer?
Take a look at your body posture when you pray. Why do you move the way
you move? What is it you intend? Does your body reflect this intention?
Action
Turn to Psalm 23 and read it aloud. Read it aloud a second time, using
your body posture to illustrate the actions suggested in the psalm.
Prayer
Try the following prayer position: Begin by bowing your head. But,
instead of folding your hands in prayer, cup them. Mentally place in your
hands the concerns for brothers and sisters around the world, and pray for
them. If you are not a person who visualizes well, write out your prayer
and place it in your hands. Sit quietly for a few moments looking into
your cupped hands or with your eyes closed in silent meditation. Now raise
your hands and turn your concerns over to God in prayer.
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