Why is he kneeling?? You may be asking yourself that question in the coming weeks. You see, at a young age I was curious about the “hows and whys” of worship. I remember asking a very frustrated pastor, “why do we bow our heads?” and “why do we put our hands together when we pray?”. I’m sure these seemed like ridiculous questions to him, but to me as a young child, they were important in my growing faith.
How we use our bodies in prayer has always been a curiosity of mine. So, it’s no surprise that I ended up in the Episcopal Church. From my very first visit to an Episcopal parish, I’ve been drawn to the embodiment of prayer exercised in our practices. As a therapist, I believe in “muscle memory” and that our relational experiences are intrinsically tied to our bodies. So, just as the Book of Common Prayer gives us a common language, I do believe that how we use our bodies in worship gives us common movement — shaping us and transforming how we move through the world. I also believe that how we use our bodies models for the children among us what reverence, community, and vulnerability look like.
Therefore, over the season of Lent, I’ll be kneeling at the altar rail during the prayer of confession. This is a practice that I have missed and look forward to reengaging in over the coming season. You may feel called to do the same. Or, you may feel called to stand where you are. The great thing about our church is that there is no “right way.” How you use your body in prayer is your decision. So, do what feels right to you, what evokes a connection to the Spirit, and what shapes your life of faith.
As for me, I’ll be kneeling… and now you know why.
— Rev. Phillip Bass