Posted on 01/13/2005 7:02:20 PM PST by netmilsmom
There is a big discussion going on at this site. I know there are many FReepers there.
Could someone please give me a Catholic perspective on the "Orans" position?
I know the GIRM says nothing about it, but where did it come from? I did a Google seach and found that this is traditional for Muslims but brand new for Catholics.
I didn't think Catholics were allowed to do it in the Orans position.
But seriously:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11269a.htm
>>I didn't think Catholics were allowed to do it in the Orans position.<<
LOL!
Wasn't it a charismatic invention?
Indeed it is a very ancient praying position, It isn't common in Orthodoxy these days except among Arab Christians and it definitely predates Mohammedanism. Interestingly enough, full prostrations before the altar or an icon in Great Lent, on certain feast days and in certain liturgies are still done in Orthodoxy, another practice the Mohammedans picked up from the Christians.
This position of prayer is a very common stance in the Pentacostal/Church of God/Church of Christ.
I have seen it many many times during Church service. It also looks to be a commonly assumed stance when one is 'receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost' or speaking/translating the gift of 'Tongues.'
I know this is appears to be a Roman Catholic thread and I don't mean this as a flame or anything. Just an observation.
It is a posture prescribed in the rubrics for the priest during parts of the Mass.
It is not even prescribed for the deacon.
"I know this is appears to be a Roman Catholic thread and I don't mean this as a flame or anything."
Didn't look like a flame to this RC.
Good post!
"Do you know why it isn't common any more?"
Haven't a clue. The priest does use it in the liturgy, though.
Thank you so much everyone!!!!
>>Wasn't it a charismatic invention?<<
I think so.
TC, what is your take on this?
>> I know this is appears to be a Roman Catholic thread and I don't mean this as a flame or anything.<<
Thank you for coming in and giving an opinion. It truly is most welcome.
Heh! I see I slept through this :-). FWIW, praying with raised hands is described in the New Testament ("I desire that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands in supplication ..."). Praying with hands folded is never mentioned in the Bible. Because of this, some fundamentalist congregations teach that one should only pray with hands raised.
I just remembered that the "orans" position is mentioned in the 141 Psalm, the first two verses of which we always chant at Vespers:
"Lord, I call upon Thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord.
Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense.
And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord."
Also in Psalm 63: 4, "So I will bless Thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on Thy name."
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