What is the Proper Posture for the Eucharistic Prayer?
by Fr. Dennis Smolarski, SJ In addition to giving a theological overview of the Mass and detailed instructions for the priest and deacon, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) also explicitly mentions the postures and gestures of both the priest and the people at Mass (nn 42-44). The GIRM presents general norms about the use of posture and gesture and, in addition, offers an explanation to help understand why such external actions are important in the liturgy. The question of posture during the Eucharistic Prayer, however, is best considered in the broader context of the various postures and gestures mentioned in scripture and those that have been part of worship in the Christian tradition throughout the centuries. A common early posture for Christian prayer was standing. Standing was seen as a mark of respect, honor, and Easter joy, and it is still customary for people to stand in non-religious situations as a sign of respect for an honored guest. The Council of Nicea (c.
