Movements to Start the Day
“In the quiet of this morning, I recall the prayer and gestures of the deacon as he stands ready at the lectern before reading a gospel narrative each week. I make the sign of the cross on my forehead and say, dear God, may your Word be upon my mind; and then the gesture again on my mouth, may your Word be upon my lips; and then across my chest, may your Word be upon my heart. I add too the sign of the cross on my belly and am aware of my feet on the earth. I pray may your Word be upon all my body and soul, grounding me in your Spirit, guiding my every step. I begin my day.”—Trish Stefanik in Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring from InwardOutward.org, Church of the Savior, Washington, D.C.
Trish Stefanik reminds us of the meaning of our gestures before reading the gospel. Making the sign of the cross during my more than twenty years as a deacon has become a habit. However, I usually gesture my hands and fingers without thinking about what I am doing. I usually am more concerned that I will not pronounce correctly words in the gospel. How wonderful to be reminded why we habitually do things. However, I am counting on God most of the time to remember the meaning. I love it when members of the congregation also make these movements before hearing the gospel read by the deacon. They may also be unknowingly praying these same prayers silently for themselves. Perhaps also they are praying for the gospel reader.
Trish Stefanik also adds a fourth movement to her belly, grounding her feet to the earth. Our body and especially our feet ground us to the present moment. God most often meets us in the present moment.
Finally, there is one more gift from the author. She recommends these prayers and gestures to begin our day.
Today’s reading is a rich blessing, reminding us that liturgical gestures we make have an even deeper meaning. When we remember why we are doing them, they can enter us into a deeper communion with God. The movements can be even more powerful if done in community. The gestures and prayers can also wake us up each day to connect to the God of our understanding, who has been there all along.
Joanna. joannaseibert.com