Why Do People Do What They Do During The Our Father?

[Daniel Nekic]

[quote name='Terra Firma' post='1260627' date='May 1 2007, 01:50 AM']This is true. Although I don't pray often in this posture myself, it is a powerful means of demonstrating physically the openness of one's heart to God.[/quote]
Be that as it may (though I do agree), is it really appropriate for liturgy?

I was always told that it was a posture reserved for the priest alone, as it was a gesture meaning that he was praying on behalf of the congregation.
I consider it on par with saying the words of the Eucharistic Prayer along with him during Holy Mass.

[bonoducchi]

[quote name='Illustrious Papist' post='1260635' date='Apr 30 2007, 12:04 PM']Be that as it may (though I do agree), is it really appropriate for liturgy?

I was always told that it was a posture reserved for the priest alone, as it was a gesture meaning that he was praying on behalf of the congregation.
I consider it on par with saying the words of the Eucharistic Prayer along with him during Holy Mass.[/quote]

That may be going a bit far, but the concern is a valid one.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='Illustrious Papist' post='1260635' date='Apr 30 2007, 11:04 AM']Be that as it may (though I do agree), is it really appropriate for liturgy?

I was always told that it was a posture reserved for the priest alone, as it was a gesture meaning that he was praying on behalf of the congregation.
I consider it on par with saying the words of the Eucharistic Prayer along with him during Holy Mass.[/quote]
well, as I said, I don't use this posture during the Our Father, only in my own personal prayers.

I too question its appropriateness in a liturgical setting ... which is why I typically fold my hands in front of me rather than holding hands or using the orans position. The only time I vary this is in a situation where not holding hands would create an awkward situation which would be more distracting than holding hands would be.

[Daniel Nekic]

[quote name='Terra Firma' post='1260640' date='May 1 2007, 02:15 AM']well, as I said, I don't use this posture during the Our Father, only in my own personal prayers.

I too question its appropriateness in a liturgical setting ... which is why I typically fold my hands in front of me rather than holding hands or using the orans position. The only time I vary this is in a situation where not holding hands would create an awkward situation which would be more distracting than holding hands would be.[/quote]
Ay, there's the rub...
See, how does one recognise the line in which to submit to the innovations?
I have had problems with this. I have come to recognise that Holy Mass is not place to put forth agendas, but where is the line drawn? When the priest is throwing the Most Precious Blood across the sanctuary? Or when a priest tells you to remain standing for the Eucharistic prayer? Or, like what we are discussing, when someone taps you on the shoulder to hold their hand for the Pater Noster?

[homeschoolmom]

No one should tap anyone on the shoulder-- that's rude.

On the other hand (no pun intended), I am busy praying and when I am addressing Our Lord, I am not peeking around to see what others are doing. I am praying-- trying to concentrate on the words and their meaning so as not to fall into just babbling them out of memorization.

[prose]

I outstretch my arms. I just have always done it. I think it reminds me to be open to Christ. It has nothing to do with what the priest is doing for me.

[Archaeology cat]

[quote name='prose' post='1260681' date='Apr 30 2007, 06:12 PM']I outstretch my arms. I just have always done it. I think it reminds me to be open to Christ. It has nothing to do with what the priest is doing for me.[/quote]

I sometimes do that, though I try not to be too noticeable, so as not to distract others or anything. Holding my hands out (or up) is generally how I pray, but usually not in front of others. Lately, though, I just hold my hands over my heart during the Our Father, to remind me to speak from my heart.

[prose]

I don't hold them like I am doing the YMCA or anything. Usually face up discreetly in front of me.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' post='1260652' date='Apr 30 2007, 11:33 AM']No one should tap anyone on the shoulder-- that's rude.

On the other hand (no pun intended), I am busy praying and when I am addressing Our Lord, I am not peeking around to see what others are doing. I am praying-- trying to concentrate on the words and their meaning so as not to fall into just babbling them out of memorization.[/quote]
I give people the evil eye if they so much as look at me before the Our Father.

Edited April 30, 2007 by Terra Firma

[catholicinsd]

Knight, Red & Terra,

Sometimes you gotta smell of elderberries it up and do what that parish, which is nice enough to let you attend Mass, does during the Lord's Prayer.

[Knight of the Holy Rosary]

[quote]which is nice enough to let you attend Mass[/quote]Let me?


[quote]Sometimes you gotta smell of elderberries it up and do what that parish does during the Lord's Prayer.[/quote]


I'd rather others 'smell of elderberries it up' and do what the Church says. I know that holding hands has not been forbidden. But, it has been discouraged.

Edited May 1, 2007 by Knight of the Holy Rosary

[MIKolbe]

If you wanna hold my hand, hold it.

If you don't, then don't.

or am i too simplistic or stupid?

[Sojourner]

[quote name='catholicinsd' post='1261069' date='Apr 30 2007, 06:07 PM']Knight, Red & Terra,

Sometimes you gotta smell of elderberries it up and do what that parish, which is nice enough to let you attend Mass, does during the Lord's Prayer.[/quote]
I was joking about the evil eye


hence the

[Seven77]

[quote name='MissScripture' post='1260024' date='Apr 29 2007, 08:34 PM']If all else fails, sneezing or coughing into your hand seems to work to get them to leave you alone. Although, at the sign of peace, you can't touch anyone...[/quote]

that's a joke, right?

no one should refuse their hand to anyone who wants to hold it during the Our Father. Satan trips us up like that.

ps: don't get me wrong---i know holding hands isn't in the rubrics.

[Seven77]

[quote name='MIkolbe' post='1261210' date='Apr 30 2007, 07:49 PM']If you wanna hold my hand, hold it.

If you don't, then don't.

or am i too simplistic or stupid?[/quote]

neither. you're doing what the Immaculata would have do--you're being humble.