Gestures for Leading Worship: Orans

Praying the Great Thanksgiving with orans posture
Photo from revneal.org

A worship leader can add meaning to a service in many ways. We often focus on the meaning of the words that we speak, especially how relevant and/or truthful they are. But the gestures and postures of a leader can be just as meaningful.

The orans posture is an ancient stance for praying. Some have suggested that perhaps Jesus prayed this way in the temple and synagogue. ('Orans' is based on the Latin word for prayer.) It is depicted in ancient art and sculpture much the same way it is practiced now: Hands extended upwards with head upraised.

Many church traditions make use of the orans gesture. The Roman Catholic Church has specific rules for when it should be used in the liturgy of the mass, and by whom. In the United Methodist Church the pastor will use it when pronouncing the Great Thanksgiving over the Communion elements. (See photo on the right.) Even in free/charismatic/Pentecostal churches the orans can signify one's openness to God's blessings and grace. (See photo below.) A modified version of orans can be helpful to ask the congregation to sit or stand, especially when the worship leader doesn't want to speak and interrupt a meaningful moment of silence. (I use it after the offertory so the congregation knows when to stand and sing the Doxology.)

I continually look for ways to guide the flow of a worship service that cut down on the number of words spoken from the front. Maybe I could modify that often-used phrase: "Lead worship, and if necessary, use words."

A worship leader from Hillsong using the orans