Holding hands during prayer

[SRoper]

What is the origin of holding hands during prayer? I usually see this with families at dinner time. Does it have much history in Christian practice?

 

[johnny]

One suggestion I have just read from an internet search is that holding hands around a table helps to keep a young child's mind focussed so to avoid irreverent behaviour during the giving of thanks.

It's a great question though, and others here will probably have better answers than my quick google.

 

[OPC'n]

I think it comes from cultic etiology I have only ever seen people who are in cults hold hands while praying

 

[earl40]

I think it comes from cultic etiology I have only ever seen people who are in cults hold hands while praying

Of course some "cults" are good. I personally sort of like holding hands with my wife's side of the family before meals, which took me years to acquire a taste to do such, and I rather not hold hands with any other group or "cult" any other time.

 

[jwithnell]

An outward expression of the love of the saints? We come to God as individuals and as the body of Christ. Now a forced Kumbia moment at an interfaith service would be another matter.

 

[earl40]

An outward expression of the love of the saints? We come to God as individuals and as the body of Christ. Now a forced Kumbia moment at an interfaith service would be another matter.

The "Kumbia moment" before meals is indeed sometimes awkward knowing that some are not believers and I personally have a hard time forcing them to hold hands before we give thanks. Though this is something I am getting better at (feelings wise that is).

 

[OPC'n]

I think it comes from cultic etiology I have only ever seen people who are in cults hold hands while praying

Of course some "cults" are good. I personally sort of like holding hands with my wife's side of the family before meals, which took me years to acquire a taste to do such, and I rather not hold hands with any other group or "cult" any other time.

I knew you were part cultic! ::