Embodied Prayer

by Beverly Lanzetta

Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, and praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise. Mature prayer always breaks into gratitude. The practice below is a body prayer from Beverly Lanzetta. Adapt the movements to your body’s needs so that you’re comfortable. Focus simply on the feeling of gratitude and, as you are able, do the following as you read through the stanzas: bow, kneel, lie down, rise, put your hands over your heart, place your hands together, bow your head, and open your arms wide.

Holy Earth, Holy Cosmos, I bow before you With my whole being.

Holy Creatures, Holy Nature, I kneel upon the earth In honor and thanksgiving Of your blessed bounty.

Holy Waters, Holy Mountains, I lay my body on your temple In gratefulness for nurturing My tender soul.

Holy Passion, Holy Longing, I rise up before you A devotee of truth, Following wherever you lead me.

Holy Silence, Holy Solitude, I place my hands over my heart Breathing in serenity, Breathing out your peace.

Holy Sorrow, Holy Suffering, I close my hands in prayer May I bear every wound With compassion and non-harm.

Holy Humility, Holy Emptiness, I bow my head before you I have become open, For your All to shine in my soul.

Holy Freedom, Holy Rejoicing, I open my heart to the world Offering myself to this day, In joyfulness and gratitude.

Amen.