What Is the Correct Posture During the Our Father?

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In my parish most people hold hands, i see a few do orans, and a few hold their hands together. I don’t really like the hand holding, but I often end up holding hands so I don’t seem rude to the people around me.

The thing that I find funny is that a lot of times the same people who seem to think it’s so important to hold hands (who make sure to grab your hand and make you feel like a bad person if you don’t) often don’t care about bowing during the creed or striking their breast during the I Confess. It’s just that one posture that is so important to them.
 
I’d have to be the rude one then if I didn’t want someone holding my hand, and normally that stuff doesn’t bother me. My husband doesn’t snatch my hand if I don’t want it held, my dad and mom only did that if I was in trouble or about to get hurt, no way a stranger’s going to do that. You’re a better person than I am.
Magdalene said:
often don’t care about bowing during the creed or striking their breast during the I Confess. It’s just that one posture that is so important to them.
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Sadly I can’t say that surprises me either.
 
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To be fair, I guess most people don’t just grab my hand… although it has happened. Usually people just start reaching for your hand, or offer their hand to you, and so I would feel like I’m being rude to say no. In reality it’s probably just me over thinking it. Haha.
 
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Pretty sure this is my favorite post of the day, er…week. Maybe longer.

We have someone at our parish that has perpetual heartburn. Whenever he is moving about, he has his hand over his heart like that. He is not a priest, nor a deacon.

I don’t know why, but it really annoys the heck out of me. 😳
 
That’s another reason folded hands, looking straight ahead works. 😉
 
I realize this thread is about the Latin rite mass but I thought I’d point out that the “hold my baby” position in the picture is an Eastern prayer position. This extended hands, palms up position is used twice by the faithful during the Maronite Divine Liturgy, once for the Our Father, and the other time for the prayer, “Make us worthy…” before communion. It’s prescribed in the missal.
 
Thank you, Jeff. That’s most enlightening, though I was disappointed to see that I rank only as an Intermediate. I still have a long way to go!
 
Moneyball said:
Hi everyone,

I’m getting conflicting answers on this question, not even priests seem to be on the same page on this one. Is it permissible for parishioners to open/extend hands during the Our Father? Growing up I never did it but ever since we’ve had kids we like to have them participate as much as possible.
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The orans position is a presidential gesture. It’s reserved to the celebrant (and con-celebrating priests).

The deacon is very specifically instructed not to do this posture, so logic says that neither should the laity.

The GIRM (and other documents of the Church) do say very clearly that the laity are not to assume the role of the priest at Mass. This includes the gestures done by the priest.

It is a false notion to think that the laity only “participate” in Mass when they do the parts reserved to the priest (or other sacred ministers). Instead, the laity do participate by doing and saying the parts of the Mass which are their parts.
 
I used the same posture as the priest before reading a similar topic here. I changed as soon as I realized my mistake. Now I use the “typical” prayer posture, with hands folded (like you’re high-fiving yourself). I’m hoping others will take notice.
 
FrDavid96 said:
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Moneyball:
Hi everyone,

I’m getting conflicting answers on this question, not even priests seem to be on the same page on this one. Is it permissible for parishioners to open/extend hands during the Our Father? Growing up I never did it but ever since we’ve had kids we like to have them participate as much as possible.
Click to expand...
The orans position is a presidential gesture. It’s reserved to the celebrant (and con-celebrating priests).

The deacon is very specifically instructed not to do this posture, so logic says that neither should the laity.

The GIRM (and other documents of the Church) do say very clearly that the laity are not to assume the role of the priest at Mass. This includes the gestures done by the priest.

It is a false notion to think that the laity only “participate” in Mass when they do the parts reserved to the priest (or other sacred ministers). Instead, the laity do participate by doing and saying the parts of the Mass which are their parts.
Click to expand...
Thanks for commenting on this, Father. Very helpful.

Also, happy birthmas.
 
Should be a STICKY.

And posted in parish bulletins. In fact, I just might.
Thanks padre!
 
The things is. I’m really tired of caring either way. People are gonna do what they’re gonna do.

Main thing to do when praying the Our Father is to pay attention to the words you’re speaking and to whom you speak them. (St. Teresa of Avila’s advice, not mine.)
 
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JamalChristophr said:
The things is. I’m really tired of caring either way. People are gonna do what they’re gonna do.

Main thing to do when praying the Our Father is to pay attention to the words you’re speaking and to whom you speak them. (St. Teresa of Avila’s advice, not mine.)
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Which it why I fold my hands together in prayer, bow my head and close my eyes during the Our Father. I don’t want to be distracted by what everyone else is doing and get all judgy. Same reason why I go back to the pew, close my eyes and bow my head to pray after communion.
 
Ah, but some people do care about teaching people correctly.
It’s always about education.
 
I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to keep your hands down because the priest is the one offering prayers to God on our behalf. That was how it was explained to me. However, if someone raises their hands during the Our Father I don’t think it’s usually a big deal.
 
Magdalene said:
In my parish most people hold hands, i see a few do orans, and a few hold their hands together. I don’t really like the hand holding, but I often end up holding hands so I don’t seem rude to the people around me.

The thing that I find funny is that a lot of times the same people who seem to think it’s so important to hold hands (who make sure to grab your hand and make you feel like a bad person if you don’t) often don’t care about bowing during the creed or striking their breast during the I Confess. It’s just that one posture that is so important to them.
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Ditto. We have all three in our parish. But nobody seems inclined to push others to do it their way. I can be right next to handholders with my hands folded together, and we’re both fine.
 
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