We
use our hands for nearly everything we do. Let us use them in prayer,
just as we use them through the day.
In the Old Testament, God's power is often symbolised as a hand
which creates, acts and works wonders.
The Father's hand is extended, giving gifts. And our hearts are
open, suppliant; and reach out to receive.
We have raised our hands through centuries of worship. The priest
lifts up his hands at Mass. Mary and the saints are depicted in
many icons with their hands uplifted in prayer. Even today, those
involved in the Charismatic Movement pray with arms extended.
Yet most of us come to prayer virtually handless.
Like deaf people using sign language, or blind people feeling with
their hands we, too, can communicate. Let our hands do the praying.
This will give us an awareness of Jesus' hands in ours. The Lord
lived and worked as a carpenter, prayed, healed and fed others and
had holes nailed through his hands. Thomas was convinced beyond
doubt, after he had touched the wounded hands of the risen and for
ever living Saviour.
There are also many descriptive passages in St Clare's writing that
feature hand-related words: touch, hold, behold, enfold,
embrace. These images helped her to see and to be in touch,
quite naturally, with Jesus.
We hope that the following will help to create an appreciation of
your own hands and draw you to work and pray, hand in hand with
Jesus, our God.
This position says "I'm here ready
and waiting".
With Mary we can say, "Behold
the handmaid of the Lord"
In some Eastern
countries this is a form of greeting, like our handshake. It shows
attention to the other person. it is a sign of respect; and in worship,
of reverence and yearning, and a searching for God.
Hold this position in order to know how much you need God.
Say with
Jesus, "Into your hands I commend my life"
With Mary we can say, "Behold the
handmaid of the Lord"
This is a gesture
which speaks to God. It is open, because we depend on him entirely,
and it shows we are prepared to receive what God gives us in his
calling us to holiness.
Say with
Jesus, "Into your hands I commend my life"
With Mary we can say, "Behold the
handmaid of the Lord"
This hand shape
reminds us that we interact with God.
Weaving makes a structure stronger, more durable, harder to break
- yet flexible. How much stronger are we when woven into Jesus.
By holding your hands like this, feel that you are being woven into
the very being of God, through Jesus.
Say with
Jesus, "Into your hands I commend my life"
With Mary we can say, "Behold the
handmaid of the Lord"
This hand
shape suggests support, reassurance and our holding of each other.
Take not of the space of warmth inside the hands.
Be aware of being in touch with the hands of Jesus who gives his
mutual holding.
Say with
Jesus, "Into your hands I commend my life"
With Mary we can say, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord"
It is easier
to curve your hands outward for a heart shape.
Love is on the look out! It gives the little it can. God unreservedly
gave his Son who showed us how to love. God gave in order that we
could give and love.
By this handshape, help us to give ourselves to you, Lord, as you
continually give yourself to us.
Say with
Jesus, "Into your hands I commend my life"
With Mary we can say, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord"
This position
says "Our Father!"
It intercedes, is pleading and appealing. We are required to stretch
up and out on behalf of ourselves and others. It shows that we are
willing to give glory and thanksgiving. At mass the priest raises
his hands during the Our Father. Our hands descend when we get to
the words, "give us this our daily bread", as we express our faith
that we have indeed, received..
Say with
Jesus, "Into your hands I commend my life"
St Clare uses
very visual language in her letters. Surely it is the prayer of
her own hands.
St Clare held,
beheld and enfolded her sisters and those in need, reaching out
to and healing those who came to her. The Sign of the Cross from
her hand was health to others. By making this sign of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit over another, she placed them in the loving
care of God, wanting above all, to show that we, the Family of God,
are in his hands.
Join with St Clare in this
prayer for situations that you meet with - for people that you
care about, or images on the media that disturb you. To make
the sign of the cross over these is to recommend them to the
totally good and loving hands of God. Let us hold hands with
St Clare.
The sign of the Cross
Hold
your right hand with the two fingers extended like Clare
in the picture.
Lift them to your forehead placing your mind and all
your powers of thought and memory into the Father's
hands.
In the name of the Father
Take
your hand to your heart. Think of Jesus, the heartbeat
of the Father, and give him your heart, your emotions
and your desires.
-and of the Son
Now
take your hand to your left shoulder and bring it over
to your right. The Spirit clothes you with power. Place
your body in his care, and the work you do - let the
Spirit lead you and love you.
- and of the Holy Spirit.
