Palms Up, Palms Down Prayer
Sit in a comfortable position. Put aside anything in your hands and lap. Sit cross-legged on thh floor, or if you are in a chair, place both feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes. Begin by placing your palms face down on your lap or in front of you, as a symbolic indication of your desire to turn over any concerns you may have to God. Whatever it is that weighs you down, release it. Pause one or two minutes as you release your cares to God.
Now, turn your palms face up on your lap or in front of you, as a symbol of your desire to receive from the Lord. Ask for what you need. Pause one or two minutes as you await the Holy Spirit, who performs the work of prayer and knows our needs, the condition of our heart, and how properly to express it. This is our invitation to the Spirit to come and express our needs in a way that is beyond our ability to put them into words.
Next, bring your hands together and intertwine your fingers into a prayer position. Spend some time in silence. Do not relinquish anything or ask anything. Be still in your heart and sit in God's presence, allowing the Lord to speak to you. Pause again, for another one or two minutes.
When you are ready, return your awareness to the room and open your eyes.
Questions for Reflection:
What did you desire to receive from God in your prayer?
What did you turn over to God in your prayer?
How did your hand placements aid you? Did the placement of your hands help you settle your body and quiet your mind, or was it distracting?