Striking a pose is more than dramatic movement—it’s a way to stay focused in prayer. Instead of merely using words, use your body to pray. Even a slight physical alteration can intensify your prayer time.
A prayer of surrender might sound something like this: “God, this is your day. I surrender all that I am thinking about, dreaming about, and planning. Take my goals for today and reshape them into what you want me to accomplish.”
It’s a powerful and meaningful prayer, but pray it while you raise your arms in surrender, a physical expression of presenting yourself to God. The physical movement is simple, but it will intensify your prayer.
A prayer to hear from God might sound like this: “God, open my ears to what you want to say. Help me to discern between the messages of the world and your still, small voice.” Pray those words with both hands cupped around your ears, as if attempting to improve your ability to listen. Sit in silence in that pose for 20-30 seconds, waiting to hear from God.
Do you want to see God’s work in your life and in what he may be doing around you? Do you want to view people the way God views them? Place your hands above your eyes as if you’re shading them from the sun so you can see more clearly, or look through pretend binoculars formed by your hands. Ask God to give you vision and to see life’s circumstances with fresh eyes.
Place your hands around your mouth to form a megaphone—as if you were going to shout to a friend—and pray that your words would be encouraging, hopeful, and filled with love. Ask God to give you the ability to communicate the right words and the discipline not to say the wrong ones.
Determine to take action on what God prompts you to do. Illustrate your commitment to follow wherever he leads by pounding your fist into your open hand (as if playing “rocks, paper, scissors), or by physically taking a “step of faith.” Voice your commitment as you step or as you pound your hand several times.
Finally, turn your hands palm up with fingers extended. Pray that you are ready to receive whatever God has for you and that you will trust him with it. Then close your hands as if you are holding something tightly in each hand. Pray that you would not be selfish, refusing to share with others what God provides. Open them again and pray, “God, help me to share your blessings. Whatever you deliver to me, help me to offer it to those who need it.”
Prayeristhenics can be expressive or slight movements. Let them reflect your personality and what God is doing in your heart and mind. You don’t have to be glued to a chair in a particular pose when you pray. Express yourself boldly or subtly as you share your heart—and listen—to God.
QUESTION (leave a comment below)
What is another physical movement that could illustrate someone’s prayer?
Very insightful. When I’m in deep prayer, I find myself kneeling and getting as close to the ground as possible. This humbles me and reminds me to be obedient to God while showing respect. When asking for forgiveness or clarity, I even rest my forehead to the ground while asking God to cleanse me of the guilt or sin I may be feeling.
Love this! Thanks for sharing, Carlos. After confessing sin or asking for clarity, I can even imagine then grabbing a pillow from the couch (or T-shirt) and resting your head on that instead of the ground as a picture of God’s grace, comfort, and presence.
Thanks, Greg.
I got some very good ideas for how I might start praying differently.
I appreciate YOU, G money!!
You have a true heart for the Lord.
Thanks, Scott. Let us know how it goes and what you are learning.