Is It Okay for Us to Have Our Arms Out (Orans) or Hold Hands During the “Our Father” at Mass? A Catholic Discussion.

This article discusses the topic on the orans posture used during the "Our Father" in the Roman Rite Catholic Mass and if it's encouraged for the laity to use it.

“What’s up with the different postures?”

If you’ve ever looked around during the Our Father at Mass and wondered, “Why is everyone doing something different?” — you’re not alone. Coming in as a new Catholic (Neophyte), I began wondering “what’s up with all the freestylepostures?”. Some people hold hands. Others raise their arms in the orans posture. Still others keep their hands reverently folded. And all the while, the priest alone is standing at the altar with his arms extended in prayer.

This divergence in posture can be confusing, especially for those seeking to worship faithfully in line with the Church’s liturgical norms. Is there a correct posture for the laity during the Our Father? And if so, what does the Church actually teach?

Let’s explore the question from theological, liturgical, and pastoral perspectives :)

What Is the Orans Posture?

The orans posture is one of the oldest postures of Christian prayer, dating back to early Christianity and even into Jewish worship. The term oranscomes from the Latin word for “praying.” The priest usually uses this posture when he announces to the congregation: “Let Us Pray”, aside from the Our Father.

Characteristics of the Orans Posture:

• Hands extended sideways and slightly upward

• Palms open toward heaven

• Elbows generally not close to the body

In modern Catholic liturgy, this posture is primarily associated with the priest during specific liturgical prayers — especially those said on behalf of the people. Nowhere does it mention anywhere in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) or Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) that suggests the laity adopt this posture.

When Is the Orans Posture Used in the Mass?

According to the GIRM, the orans posture is prescribed for the priest during:

• The Opening Prayer (Collect)

• The Prayer Over the Offerings

• The Prayer After Communion

• The Our Father

GIRM 152: “During the Lord’s Prayer, the Priest stands with hands extended.”

This posture indicates the priest’s unique role in interceding for the people— a role rooted in his ordination and configuration to Christ the High Priest. A role the priest is anointed to take on through Apostolic succession.

Should the Laity Use the Orans Posture?

Here’s where the confusion arises. In fact, it took me a great deal of digging to come up with this “bold” article after the discussion on this topic became trending again on the Catholic sidewalks of X.

Nowhere in the GIRM or other liturgical documents does it explicitly directthe laity to use the orans posture during the Our Father. Nor does it prohibitit outright. This silence has led to different interpretations and customs. However, the posture has always and only been directed to the priest.

What the Church Actually Says:

• The GIRM describes the posture of the priest, not the laity, at all points in the Mass.

• No official liturgical document instructs the laity to assume the orans posture.

• However, some bishops’ conferences have permitted its use in local norms or pastoral guidelines.

For instance, in the United States, the USCCB has not mandated any specific hand posture for the laity during the Our Father. This has led to a diversity of practices even within the same parish. Think of it like the judiciary system.

Tradition and Liturgical Theology: Why It Matters

One reason the orans posture is reserved for the priest is theological. The priest, in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), leads the prayer of the Church, lifting the needs of the people to God. When the laity adopts this posture, it can unintentionally blur the distinction (to some) between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of the faithful.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:

CCC 1547: “While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace… the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood. It is directed at the unfolding of the baptismal grace of all Christians.”

Thus, liturgical roles and postures are not arbitrary. They are visible signs of deeper theological realities.

What About Holding Hands During the Our Father?

In many parishes, it has become common for families to hold hands during the Our Father. This practice, while emotionally resonant for some, is not mentioned in any liturgical document and is not an official part of the Roman Rite. I sometimes am invited to hold hands and in the spirit of togetherness, and I do participate.

The Vatican has remained silent on the practice, neither endorsing nor forbidding it. But many liturgists and bishops have cautioned against adding gestures that are not explicitly in the rubrics, as they may distract from the Mass’s universality and unity. However, what matters most is what’s in the heart and individual intention but there are limits. This doesn’t mean you should go out and compete among the congregation on who worships the hardest (I see y’all 👀).

“We are not free to add or subtract elements from the liturgy based on personal preference.” — Sacrosanctum Concilium (Vatican II)

What Is the Recommended Posture for the Laity?

In the absence of specific instructions, the default posture of the laity is one of reverence and unity. Most traditionally and universally, that means:

• Standing upright,

• Hands joined in prayer (palms together, fingers pointing upward),

• Eyes gently lowered or closed (optional).

This posture reflects humility, attentiveness, and a clear distinction between the roles of the priest and the congregation. One practiced through liturgical tradition.

Pastoral Sensitivity: The Church Is a Family.

It’s also important to approach this issue with charity and understanding. Many faithful are unaware of the theological and liturgical significance of posture. Some may use the orans posture or hold hands out of habit, cultural norms, or sincere devotion.

I highlighted “sincere devotion” above because that’s one thing to be mindful of before we point fingers at everyone’s faces. Unity in worship is not about uniformity of gestures but about the shared spirit of reverence and obedience to the Church’s wisdom.

Can Bishops Regulate This Posture Locally?

Yes. Diocesan bishops have the authority to regulate certain liturgical practices within their dioceses, provided they remain within the bounds of the universal Church’s norms.

For example, some bishops may explicitly discourage the orans posture for the laity to maintain clarity between liturgical roles. Others may permit it as a pastoral accommodation, especially in multicultural or charismatic parishes.

Always check your diocesan guidelines or ask your pastor if you are unsure.

FAQssss

❓Is the orans posture a sin for the laity?

No. Using the orans posture during the Our Father is not sinful, but it may not reflect the Church’s liturgical tradition or theological understanding of priestly roles.

❓Is holding hands allowed during the Our Father?

It’s not part of the official liturgy and is generally discouraged, but it’s not forbidden. Use prudence and pastoral sensitivity. Whatever you do, and it’d not talked about often enough, don’t let pride set in. The blur between pride and uprightness is like a spring dusk in the midwest.

❓Can my bishop require or ban certain postures?

Yes, within reason. Bishops have authority over the liturgy in their dioceses. Again, think of it like the judicial system.

In Conclusion: Clarity, Charity, and Unity in Worship

In the end, posture is not merely about formality. It’s about faithfully expressing what we believe. When we adopt the posture recommended by the Church — hands folded, body upright, hearts lifted — we participate in the liturgy with reverence and unity.

While the Church leaves some room for interpretation, especially in the absence of clear directives, we are all called to be faithful stewards of the liturgy, not innovators.

Reflect upon it, do some reading, and assess if anything needs to be changed about the way you approach the Eucharistic celebration. This post has no intent to condemn or throw anyone into the depths of overthinking, but a contributing seed to thought to the online Catholic space.

Peace be with you all 🙏🏼