Incorporating Your Whole Being in Prayer

When I need extra help quieting the noise of daily life to focus on the Lord, movements and poses sometimes help. Engaging my body during prayer not only reminds my heart and brain that I’m entering a sacred space and time but also helps me feel more present and closer to God. The following practices have been beneficial for me at different times. I hope you find some that help you, too.

• Humble yourself before the majestic King of the universe and your high and holy God by kneeling beside your chair—even if only long enough to whisper thanks for the privilege of coming before His holy throne before you sit down.

• Place your hand on your heart while praying, “Create within me a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within me.”

• Slowly exhale as you ask the Lord to remove a specific sin or negative character trait and breathe in deeply while asking Him to fill you with an oppositive behavior or trait. For instance, ask Him to remove all bitterness in your heart as you exhale and ask for greater love and mercy as you inhale.

• Sit with your hands resting on your lap and your palms facing up. Invite the Lord to take or bring whatever He chooses from or to your life.

• Make tight fists as you think of an area you struggle to surrender to the Lord. Then open your fists and stretch your fingers. Notice how much better your hands feel in this relaxed position. Reflect on how much freer you would feel if you relinquished control to Him.

• With open hands resting in your lap, name things you’re anxious about with one of these sentences: “Lord, I trust You with ______.” Or: “Lord, I trust You to _______.”

• Put your palms together and gently rest your index fingers on your lips as you ask Him to keep your words pure, helpful, and kind.

• Place your fingers on your forehead and ask the Lord to purify your thoughts, helping you think about things that are pure, true, lovely, and honorable.

• Cross your wrists and place your palms on your chest in an “Oh, my” gesture, thanking God for specific blessings.

• Stretching your arms wide, meditate on how boundless His love for you is.

• Celebrate recent blessings with a happy dance. Raise your hands in a praise exclamation of His goodness. (Even a highly introverted person like me enjoys these practices in the privacy of my home.)

Incorporating movements and poses into your prayer routine can deepen your connection with God, helping you be more present and focused. Try these practices to see if they bring you closer to the Lord in body and spirit.