When the priest prays with hands extended, he is using the orans posture — an ancient gesture pictured in the Roman catacombs. But should the faithful raise their hands during the Our Father?
The Orans Posture Explained: Praying With Hands Extended at Mass
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal directs the priest to pray "with hands extended" at the Greeting, Collect, Offertory, and throughout the Eucharistic Prayer — while the Missal prescribes no gesture for the assembly during the Our Father. Dr. Pitre traces this posture of lifted hands through Scripture: Moses holding up his hands over the battle (Exodus 17), Solomon with "hands outstretched toward heaven" (1 Kings 8:54), the Psalmist's "lift up your hands to the holy place" (Psalm 134:2), and Paul's charge that the men "pray, lifting holy hands" (1 Timothy 2:8). Early witnesses — Tertullian, Ambrose, and John Chrysostom — connect the raised hands to the sign of the Cross and to spiritual sacrifice. The session lays out what recent bishops' conferences (USCCB; the Philippines, 2023) have actually said about hand posture during the Lord's Prayer.
Key passages & sources examined: Exodus 17:8-13; 1 Kings 8:37-40, 54-55; Psalm 134:1-2; Lamentations 3:41; 1 Timothy 2:8-10; GIRM (Order of Mass no. 124–125); Code of Canon Law §907; Tertullian, On Baptism 20; Ambrose, On the Sacraments 6.4; John Chrysostom, Homilies on Prayer 2; Augustine, Sermon 342; USCCB (2024); Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (2023)
What is the orans posture? The orans (Latin for "praying") posture is standing with hands extended and lifted in prayer — an ancient Christian gesture depicted in the catacombs. Dr. Pitre traces its biblical and historical roots.
Should the faithful use the orans posture during the Our Father? The study guide notes that the Roman Missal prescribes no assembly gesture for the Lord's Prayer; the session reviews what the USCCB and other bishops' conferences have said.
What are the biblical roots of praying with hands extended? Moses (Exodus 17), Solomon (1 Kings 8:54), Psalm 134, and 1 Timothy 2:8 all describe lifting hands in prayer. The video examines each.
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This is a subscription where the content is accessed online through your account. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
This is some outstanding advice for couples who are struggling in todays world and toxic culture. If you want to begin healing, find peace or just looking for advice; this is highly recommended.
The Mass Explained and the Mass Readings Explained
These are even more than I’d anticipated. I learned lots of interesting stuff but better than that, I was able to participate, to be present in Mass, in a deeper way the last two weeks. Thank you so much. And I’ve also told a friend about Dr. Pitre’s work. Thanks again, Patty Brown
