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Week 2 of Advent

A Different Way to Pray

Many years ago at a retreat, I was introduced to a new way of praying.  Rather than using words, we were led in a series of physical postures:

       Standing, we placed the palms of our hands over our hearts.
       We then lifted our arms overhead, open-palmed.
       Arms still lifted and palms open, we paused.
       Next, we brought our cupped hands back to our hearts.
       Then, we extended our open palms in front of our bodies.
        We closed by again lifting our hands, palms towards the sky.

After familiarizing ourselves with the different postures, we learned the words our movements were meant to communicate:

       Lord, here I am.  palms over hearts
       Today, I offer all that I am to you.  arms lifted, palms open
       I also come in need, Lord.  Will you fill me anew with your spirit?  arms lifted, palms open
       I gratefully receive what you are giving me.  Thank you, Father.  cupped hands to heart
       As I move into this day, I release all that I am, and all that you have given me, to those around me.  arms extended, palms open
        May my very life be an offering that brings glory to you, Lord.  hands lifted, palms to sky

 For the rest of the retreat, we participants gathered each morning.  First, the leaders spoke the prayer while we moved through each motion.  Then, we were invited to cycle through the postures again, silently and at our own pace.

At first, this way of praying felt awkward.  I had always depended on words for talking to God.  Now, rather than hiding behind holy-sounding language, I was using my body--a vessel I knew very well to possess an occasional propensity for saintliness and, more often, a vexing impulse towards sin.  Somehow, this praying with my less-than-holy body made me feel newly exposed--as if long-hidden parts of myself were now being made known to an utter-holy God.

Every morning, despite my misgivings, I stood in that quiet room filled with retreat participants.  Moving through the motions of my own silent prayer.  I watched others do the same--each of us imploring an all-perfect father to use our fallen-but-forgiven souls to accomplish his kingdom purposes in our little corner of the world.  

Eventually, I understood that asking with my body for God to use my body--letting my whole self be fully known--is what allows him to transform frail flesh into the very body of Christ.
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Consider finding a time to cycle through the physical movements above as a way of expressing your heart to God.  Then, reflect on the following questions:
  • What is it like for you to approach God in this way?
  • Are there any parts of yourself--your body, your mind, your emotions, your impulses--that you long to be seen and known more fully?
  • Or, on the other hand, are there any parts of yourself that you fear God seeing and knowing?

If there is a word, phrase, or prayer that conveys your responses, you are welcome to post them here.


You are also invited to listen to the teaching from the second Sunday of Advent at All Souls--A Holy Longing:  Longing for Intimacy.


Here is the devotional for week 3 of Advent.


"A Different Way to Pray" devotional by Anne Lowry Pharr

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