First, sit in the back of the sanctuary and empty your hands and open your palms. Observe how an open palm represents vulnerability and receptivity. Look at your hands. Close your hands into a fist. What does this symbolize? What have your hands been "into" today? Can you let go of the many tasks, errands, duties, and burdens that your hands have held? Can your open hands be a way to begin this Prayer Walk?
Pray: Here, dear God, are my open hands. May they represent my open heart, my open mind, my open soul.We suggest two walks around the sanctuary on this Prayer Walk. The first walk will be to observe the hands in each window. Begin with the tall window on your left (as you face the front), then walk forward, cross the sanctuary in front of the chancel and then walk along the south side as you return to this beginning place. As you walk prayerfully, first focus only upon the hands in each window. Ignore the other parts of the window or the explanation of the windows.
In the first window, notice that the right hand of Christ is open, as if in a gesture of welcome. Can you feel Christ's welcome as you begin this prayer walk? Bask in the welcome expression of Christ's open palm. His left hand is in a beckoning or inviting position, mindful of his invitation, "Come, follow me." Can you see in this hand an invitation to continue this prayer walk? How is Christ beckoning to you? Can you hold out your hand toward Christ?
Pray: Christ, thank you for welcoming me again, and again. May I hear your call on this walk of prayer.Pause and meditate.
In the second window, note that there are two sets of hands in contradictory positions. The large, bold, confident hands are reaching up, as if proudly stating, "See what I have accomplished." The smaller set of hands, at the bottom of the window, are folded in obvious sincerity, as if praying, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." How do your hands express arrogant confidence, or humble sincerity? Fold your hands in prayer.
Pray: O Merciful God, may my hands move from expressing arrogance and self-absorption, to humility and sincerity.Pause and meditate.
In the third window, the hands are folded across the chest, and held against the body, as if holding great pain and identifying with all who suffer. What is in your hands right now, and in your life, that causes you great pain? Who are others with whom you easily identify and what is their great pain? Where is the pain in the world today? Identify by crossing your hands across your chest and holding the pain that surrounds you.
Pray: O God of Pain and Joy, may I identify with the pain around me in my friends, my loved ones, my colleagues and neighbors, and the suffering around the world.Pause and meditate.
In the fourth window, the artistic rendering is nearly all an open hand, extending down from above, offering blessing to growing things, offering nurture and healing. When have you experienced God's blessing upon your life? God's healing hand? How has the Holy Spirit nurtured your growth?
Pray: I seek to be touched, O God of blessing, by your open hand, reaching me with healing and nurturing love.Pause and meditate.
In the fifth window, this person's hands are in two different positions. In his left hand, the person has a firm grip on his staff or rod, to help him make his way in life. His right hand appears to express open confidence of receiving God's help. In order for you to have a firm grip on your core values and your inner strength, where would you need to place your hand? Lift your hand up to God and hold it there - a sign of your confidence in receiving God's help.
Pray: May my hands express the spiritual strength within me, as well as my need to be receptive of your strength offered me, O Lord.Pause and meditate.
In the sixth window, note how the hands are cradling, embracing and caressing a wounded soul. At the bottom of the window, notice the wounded man's hands, bandaged and drooping to the ground. How do you use your hands to express God's healing and sustaining love? How have you experienced this from others? Look at your hands and give thanks for all the good that your hands can and have done.
Pray: Cradling God, may my hands embrace those who hurt around me, as you have embraced me in my hurt.Pause and meditate.
In the seventh window, notice the devilish, deceiving hands reaching around the Christ figure, attempting to lead him astray. Notice Jesus' right hand, pointing up as if a moral compass, and his left hand resting as if stating, "I shall not be moved." How do your hands express your inner strength? What are the "devils" that you fight against? How can your hands lead you to strength rather than lead you astray?
Pray: May my hands resist evil and selfishness. May my hands embrace inner strength and love, O God.Pause and meditate.
In the eighth window, amazement, joy and hope are expressed in the motion of these uplifted hands. How can your hands express joy, awe, prayer, and wonder at God? How can you express God's wonder? Can you lift up your hands in awe of God?
Pray: Awesome God, how can my hands express my amazement and wonder of You?Pause and meditate.
In the final window, Christ's hands are nailed to the cross. But here is depicted a strong Christ, almost defiant, with muscular arms and strong hands, and a determined face, as if saying, "I may die, but I shall rise again." How can your hands express your inner strength, your determination, your positive sense of well-being, even in the face of death or destruction? How are your hands symbols of hope?
Pray: O Resurrected Christ, may my hands become symbols of hope and well-being, no matter life's circumstances.Pause and meditate.
Now, continue your Prayer Walk as you walk back around the sanctuary, reading the story behind each window and asking yourself: How does this artistic rendering speak to me? What does it say to me? How is it calling out to me? After your second walk, take some time to write about your insights, experiences and feelings from this Prayer Walk.
