How to reach God

I’m not sure that folding your arms to pray is the best way to make contact with God. I started thinking about this, and I wondered when and why we as a church fold our arms to pray. I think for me, it goes back to Primary — it was a sign of being ready to pray, a sign of reverence. Maybe it makes sense for small Primary children to fold their arms, so they keep their hands to themselves — but as adults it may be time to move from the milk to the meat.

I came to this conclusion while pondering several things. First, if you have studied any psychology, you know that when you fold your arms across your chest, you’re sending a sign to everyone that you don’t want to be approached — “Back off.”  Not a very good sign to send God.

 

I’m trying to make a connection, I want to approach God. I want him to talk to me. Send messengers.

Then I was watching a TED talk from Amy Cuddy who explains body behavior and success. She explains that when you hide your hands it shows lack of confidence. Also, not a good sign I want to send God.

Now, skip to Adam and Eve in the temple — they do not fold their arms when they are calling upon the Lord. They make contact with angelic messengers.

I looked at paintings depicting prayer, looking for any folded arms. I found arms reaching up, and hands clasped. Or even the hands pressed palm to palm, fingers pointing upward. Sometimes the head was bowed, sometimes, looking heavenward.

The Israelites had special ways to pray. The Priestly Blessing, Birkat Kohanim, is also known as Nesi’at Kapayim, or the “lifting of the hands,” because the priests’ lift their hands, through which the divine blessings flow.

Does it really matter? Maybe it does. I like to remember that we are taught the true order of prayer in the temple.

But I also believe you can pray while walking, hiking, or driving. Anywhere, and without anyone noticing (no showmanship here like the hypocrites). You can pray without any hand signs, so as not to be seen by others. Perhaps, when you are alone, or with your spouse you can consider sending God a message that you are open — ready to listen — wanting to converse.

Oct 2015 Update: There is an interesting article about prayer at The Perfect Day.