An Orans Life With God
So, things have been really different lately. Often, new situations challenge us to relearn how we think, speak, interact, and live. I think this moment with COVID-19 is one of those times. For example, social distancing, washing hands, and being vigilant about the spread of this virus has fundamentally changed the way we do simple things like going to the grocery store, planning our day, and even participating with the Church.
With all of this change, it’s refreshing to remember that God remains constant and unchanging. Even still, the way we interact with God and take on our daily life may also need to change. For a lot of people, this time is abnormally stressful, isolating, and wrought with unique challenges. It’s reasonable to recognize that the ways you’ve prayed in the past may need to deepen or adjust to meet the needs of your present reality. If that’s where you’re at, I want to offer you a new way to pray in the midst of all of this change and uncertainty.
In the liturgy, there is a posture of the body that you’ll see the celebrant (or leading priest) using when leading the prayers. It’s with palms and arms open, as if to show you “the fish was this big” with their hands. This physical position is so important it has its own name: orans, which comes from an old latin word that means “the one who prays.”
The orans posture has a rich history, you see it in churches, in scripture, and in iconography especially of Mary. It is the way one situates their body to express to God, “let it be with me just as you say, Lord.” All at once this posture expresses a self-emptying humility, praise and gratitude, and an openness to receive whatever God gives.
Ok, so here’s my idea: whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, fear begins to drive, or you feel anxious or frustrated—pause for a moment, open your arms and palms in an orans posture. In prayer, empty all that burdens you and then listen patiently. I wonder what might come of that time in prayer. This may seem to you like a strange practice of bodily prayer but just try it. Using our body to pray can help lead our hearts and minds, even when they don’t feel like it.
Our openness to God, and his willingness to come close to us, can calm any storm, it can quiet any soul, it can order any worry or fear. If we would open up, empty our burdens, and wait--we might notice the presence and voice of God. Whether your facing hysteria, panic, fear, hustle, or stir-craziness, we can open ourselves, empty ourselves, and entrust ourselves to God’s care. We can do this because God is good, He is our heavenly Father who loves us, and no matter what happens, when we are in His care, we are safe and at home in the Kingdom. That’s a different kind of boldness, a quiet confidence, and a peace that can carry you through the day, even if you have to pause for a quick orans moment.
John Wesley is a hero in the faith for me, and his is an example of a truly orans posture toward life. I wanted to share this prayer with you.
I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
By John Wesley, BCP 673
