Gestures
used in worship
The
catholic tradition of using all the senses in worship also
extends to the use of gesture, posture and movement.
There
is also an old Anglican rule of thumb which says
"Stand to praise; kneel to pray; sit to receive instruction."
Standing
is seen as a sign of respect and reverence but can also be
viewed as an expression of joy, thanksgiving and praise.
Sitting
is the posture of meditation, rest and openness. It is most
appropriate for the activity of listening.
Kneeling
is a gesture of humility, piety, penance and the awareness
of our sins. It may also be a gesture of adoration towards,
for example, the holy sacrament.
Walking
may be viewed as a symbol of pilgrimage.
Prostration
is the symbol of total and complete submission and a
demonstration of vulnerability.
Making
the Sign of the Cross
This is perhaps the most well known of all the gestures used
in worship. The origins of this gesture may well lie, amongst
other things,in the renewal of the Baptismal Cross and its
use could be:-
Immediately before receiving Communion.
At
the beginning of a time of private prayer.
At
the beginning of a service
When looking at the Lord's Body and/or Blood
The Preacher making the sign of the cross at the
beginning of the sermon but only when the words
"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit" are used.
Other
occasions when it might be appropriate:-
At the end of the Apostles' or Nicene Creed
At the beginning of the 'Magnificat' at Evensong
At the beginning of the 'Benedictus' at MorningPrayer
At the beginning of the Gospel
During the Prayer for the Departed.
The
Blessing
In
the Anglican tradition the Priest may make the sign of the
cross when pronouncing the Benediction. There are different
positions for the fingers when making the sign of the cross.
Index and middle fingers together to represent Christ as God
and Man. Index and middle fingers together with thumb pressing
down little finger to symbolise the Trinity. The index and middle
fingers together with the thumb holding down both ring and little
finger to signify Christ as God and Man and also the Trinity.
Bowing
This is a sign
of respect and gratitude and can be used at the
entry and exit of the Cross and Priest.
It is used at the name of Jesus in the Creed.
To the Thurifer when the congregation is sensed
(incense is swung in their direction).
Upon entering and leaving the Sanctuary where the Sacrament
is reserved; although some people may prefer to genuflect
at this point.
Genuflection
This begins from the standing position, the worshiper
moves
their right foot back a step, drops the right knee briefly to the
floor, and then returns to the standing position. It may be natural
to bow the head while performing this action and some make
the sign of the cross. This action is purely to honour the presence
of Christ in the Sacrament.
Shaking
of hands
at the 'Peace'
during the Eucharist is a sign of inclusivity and
fellowship, but it is claimed by some writers to be a dumbing
down of the ‘Pax’ (the passing down of the embrace of fellowship)
a sign of solidarity and love.
Orantes
or Orans
The Orantes (orans - Latin praying) posture of prayer, where the
elbows are kept to the side of the body, the arms are outstretched
and the palms of the hands face upwards, may be used in private
or communal prayer by the clergy or laity. This isoccasionally
used by the Priest at Holy Trinity especiallyduring the once
monthly service of Solemn Benediction.
It is thought that this prayer position was favoured by the
early Christians.
Placing
hands together and closing eyes
This
is surely the way most of us, as children, were taught
that we should pray. The idea being that placing our hands
together freed us from distraction and closing our eyes
focussed us on the task in hand. This is a prayer position
widely used in both western and eastern Christianity.