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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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
