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Posted by: CA girl ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 11:15AM

Last night I was hanging out with a group of my friends that are Evangelical Christians and one of them mentioned that at his Rotary club meeting, there are two Mormon guys and recently there was a prayer for some reason and both these guys folded their arms to pray. My friend thought it was really weird grown men would fold their arms to pray and, knowing I was Mormon, asked me why Mormons pray like that. I honestly didn't know. Is it something with keeping kids reverent? Or was it actually taught that was the proper way to pray? And by whom? Is it just a cultural thing? Does anyone have a real answer I could give him? Thanks.

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Posted by: ConcernedCitizen ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:04PM

...in the early church, when the members would close their eyes to pray, there were incidents of pick-pocketing occuring among some of the Brethren. Sidney Rigdon was suspected of instigating the merriment, and that's when Brother Joe had to come up with a way to have everyone "keep their hands to themselves." The folding of one's arms seemed simplest............

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Posted by: brucermalarky ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 01:19PM

that's pretty freaking funny, nice!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2014 01:19PM by brucermalarky.

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Posted by: safetynotguaranteed ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:04PM

I was taught it was the proper way to pray.

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Posted by: twistedsister ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:05PM

This is a dumb question, but what do other religions do with their hands when they pray?

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Posted by: summer ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 01:15PM

Catholics (and the Protestants that I've observed) fold their hands together like this:

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608030273998095403&pid=1.7

...or like this:

http://www.wendygunn.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Prayer-folded-hands-straight-out.jpg

If people are standing, they may simply clasp their hands in front of them and bow their heads with eyes closed, or hold hands with others in a circle.

You will often see Catholics praying using a set of rosary beads, which looks like a beaded necklace with a small cross or crucifix attached. They say prayers in sets, using the beads to count off prayers.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2014 01:16PM by summer.

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Posted by: scarecrowfromoz ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 02:02PM

In the religion I was raised in, there was never anything taught about "a proper way" or that you needed to do a certain thing with your hands.

Many people bow their heads, some close their eyes (either with or without bowed head). Many don't change their posture at all, eyes open just watching and listening to the prayer giver, so their hands are where ever they were before.

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Posted by: wanderinggeek ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:08PM

Why don't we all raise our hands and lower them..since that is the "true order of prayer"

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Posted by: Chump ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 02:23PM

That's what I was thinking. "Oh, that's only what we do in public. Let me teach you the TRUE order of prayer."

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Posted by: ladell ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:19PM


Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2014 12:21PM by ladell.

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Posted by: WillieBoy ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:20PM

So they don't stick them in the pockets of their blue jeans.

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Posted by: exrldsgirl ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:21PM

I've wondered about this as well. They don't do it in the RLDS (now known as Community of Christ) church, so I had thought it was something that was started by Brigham Young. But it could be something that was done in the early church and then dropped by the RLDS group.

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Posted by: scmd ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:23PM

In most other religions, little children are taught to place their palms together, fingers straight out and pointed upwards, but adults usually either fold or clasp their hands, or, in some group prayers situations, join hands. In some more charismatic faiths, arms are held up, either all the way or from the elbow up, with palms facing upwards.

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Posted by: scmd ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:23PM

Some REALLY charismatic faiths wave their arms in the air.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2014 12:25PM by scmd.

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Posted by: jay ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 08:32PM

I had an uncle who occasionally got a leg over his head.

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Posted by: WillieBoy ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:25PM

Keeps the guys from playing 'pocket pool'.

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Posted by: somnambulist ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:56PM

You laugh, but we were so poor we couldn't afford toys so my mom just cut holes in our pockets.

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Posted by: CA girl ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 12:28PM

But seriously - why? I get that the church taught it but is it just to be different from other churches? Is there any reasoning behind this or is everyone doing it, like so many other things, with no known reason why. Is it "just because that's the way it's done?" Probably but hopefully someone can do better than that. Knowing Mormonism though, probably there is no reason.

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Posted by: kj r ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 05:22PM

question for you when you were little and mom or dad scolded you you foiled your arms out of anger more likely then not. so God looks at it as anger i would think

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Posted by: axeldc ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 01:20PM

That is why kids are taught to be "reverent". It keeps them from messing with one another. Mormons just keep up the practice as they get older.

I notice I fold my arms when resting, and some people interpret that as me being angry.

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Posted by: ASteve ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 01:23PM

I like your explanation. Mormonism tries to keep everyone in a state of perpetual childhood, makes perfect sense.

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Posted by: omreven ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 01:29PM

This is just something Mormons do, and your friend was not the first to notice it. This topic presents itself here from time to time. As far as body language goes, it's very closed off and defensive. It seems to put people off. I thought it was a strange posture of prayer and very shut-out when I first saw it.

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Posted by: adoylelb ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 01:39PM

I also think it's a strange posture for prayer, and it's not what I did myself which probably looked weird to the Mormons. I just did what many Christians did, and was actually depicted in one of the Mormon paintings of Jesus, which was to clasp my hands.

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Posted by: Doubting Thomas ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 05:36PM

No it's not just something Mormon's do when praying. It has a starting point and a purpose and I would really like to know when and who implemented/pushed it.

It reminds me of Mormons and the cross. Early Mormons had no problem with the crucification. Now every TBM knows that TSCC discourages wearing or hanging the cross as a symbol of Christian discipleship.

Again, I'd like to know how TBM's began folding their arms instead of folding their hands to pray. My bet, it was started to differentiate Mormons from every other Christian denomination.

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Posted by: cc halo ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 02:37PM

Many churches that I know of will join hands for group prayer, either as a congregation or when in small groups standing/sitting in a circle. Families will also join hands around the table for prayer before eating.

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Posted by: scarecrowfromoz ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 03:00PM

I know some churches do this weekly, others occasionally. I've never liked that, because usually right after (if a closing prayer) they adjourn for refreshments. I'm looking for someplace to wash my hands thoroughly. Even if don't eat the refreshments, I have to remember to not inadvertently touch my eye, etc. if it itches before I can wash my hands.

The only times I have gotten sick in the past 10 years or so have all been after these hand-holding prayers. I'm with doctors on this. A fist-bump is better.

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fist-bump-your-doctor-it-may-be-less-germy-n165196

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Posted by: catnip ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 03:05AM

That is one thing I don't like about the Presbyterian Church I attend from time to time. At one point in the service, you are supposed to greet - and shake hands with - the people around you.

I am exceptionally germ-phobic, since my battle with c diff.

Whenever I have been to the store, or anyplace else, with DH, I scrub my hands the second I get back home.

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Posted by: caffiend ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 06:18PM

Catnip, the group handshake is a more informal practice of "the passing of the peace." I've been in churches where that meant chaste hugs and, possibly, kisses on the cheek or temple.

Consider asking your minister or deacons to reconsider the practice. You might just keep your seat and wave politely to people, or bring a packet of disinfectant hand lotion with you. Little white gloves went out of fashion decades ago, but you might bring a pair, and start a fashion revival!

https://www.google.com/search?q=little+white+gloves+60s+fashion&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS568US568&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Stay6StQI8vxpM%253A%252CPny5I9MAVGYBOM%252C_&usg=__8D38fzJNdyVzPcoSsMzPjfnISS0%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwje2KSL4rjcAhWMMd8KHcjsA9sQ9QEIKzAA#imgrc=Stay6StQI8vxpM:

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Posted by: bona dea ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 07:22PM

They do that at many churches. I have seen people beg off by waving or making the peace sign. Sometime they mouth that they have a cold. No need to shake hands or hug if you dont want to. If you have a compromised immune system, that is reason enough. Also, consider sitting bye people you know and who know your situation.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2018 08:02PM by bona dea.

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Posted by: Fenwick Montgomery ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 03:36PM

I thought folding your arms was kind of typical. It sure as SHOOTIN' weren't a mormon who invented pretzels.

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Posted by: Chicken N. Backpacks ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 05:13PM

Prayer is a form of supplication, so you do something with your hands that makes them non-aggressive, i.e. "nothing up my sleeve", and at the same time makes them available to receive something from the superior being (be it a king, god, judge, your mom), but not open, as if you *expect* to get something; some people do pray or meditate with the palms open as if they ARE ready to receive something and show they have nothing to hide.

Or so it seems to me.

The Mormon way just looks cut off & douchey, like they *do* have something to hide.

Or so it seems to me.

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Posted by: CA girl ( )
Date: July 31, 2014 05:32PM

So nobody knows if this came from the church leaders, who, when, why? Or if it just became habit/tradition that started with keeping children quiet and worked on keeping adults childlike. It's weird that they insist you fold your arms to pray but no one knows why it's important. Because Chicken N. Backpacks is right - it doesn't look like prayer. It looks like they are defensive and hostile. And I was mostly raised Mormon so it should look prayerful to me.

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Posted by: notmonotloggedin ( )
Date: July 25, 2018 11:46AM


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Posted by: donbagley ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 06:22PM

My father always folded his wallet and prayed.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2018 06:23PM by donbagley.

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Posted by: sbg ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 06:24PM

Had to Google what it looks like, but Masons cross their arms, yet another rip off modification.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2018 06:24PM by sbg.

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Posted by: ificouldhietokolob ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 06:51PM


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Posted by: bona dea ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 07:00PM

Those kids with their arms across their chest are not praying. They are on their way to the communion rail and are signeling that they are not taking communion and would like a blessing instead. Gramps doesnt know what he is talking about-at least on that.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2018 07:18PM by bona dea.

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Posted by: ificouldhietokolob ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 07:31PM

Um, he doesn't say they're praying....

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Posted by: bona dea ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 08:37PM

Uh, since they are featured in pictures included in an article about folding arms while praying, it follows that he thinks praying is what they are doing. The article isnt about communion after all and anyway the kids have their arms crossed over their chests, not folded in their laps as Mormons do..

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Posted by: ificouldhietokolob ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 09:27AM

The photo was illustrating this section:

"Many cultures throughout the world articulate the arms and hands in various modes...The folding of arms has nothing to do with today’s “grumpy stance” as if to say “I’m not listening.” It is a very old tradition with very old meanings. There isn’t anything right or wrong about any of these methods."

You know, the section describing the wide variety of things "folded arms" are used for. It wasn't being used to show that other churches fold their arms to pray like mormons do.

Which you would have noticed had you read the article.

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Posted by: bona dea ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 03:15PM

I did read the article, thank you very much.. The original question was about folding arms while praying and that picture certainly left the impression that the author those kids were praying. Dont you have anything better to do than trying to pick arguments with me? I guess not.

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Posted by: ificouldhietokolob ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 03:20PM

Listen, YOU "picked the argument."
You made a comment on what I posted.
Your comment was clearly uninformed, and showed you didn't pay any attention if you did read the article.
I didn't even say anything about agreeing with "gramps" -- just that it was interesting.
If you don't want discussion, then don't reply to my posts. If you reply to my posts -- especially if your reply is as uninformed as the above -- expect discussion, and have a discussion. You can't have it both ways.

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Posted by: bona dea ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 06:59PM

I didnt notice who made the link to Ask Gramps or I wouldnt have responded,but regardless my comment was about the original article which had nothing,nada, zilch to do with you. You jumped in to contradict me as is your custom.Once again, my original comment had nothing to do with you. All you did was provide a link. I disagreed with the link . Since you didnt take a position on it, it would be pretty difficult to disagree with you. My apology for not noticing that you provided the link. I generally try to avoid your posts to avoid atguments. And I did read the article and stand by my comment about the.picture.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2018 06:07AM by bona dea.

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Posted by: Chicken N. Backpacks ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 07:50PM

I think it makes guys look like insecure dweebs instead humble-before-God-future-gods, but that's just me.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spycatcher/201410/9-truths-exposing-myth-about-body-langauge

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Posted by: CateS ( )
Date: July 23, 2018 08:23PM

I think it’s a cultish behavior that makes the members feel different from the wordly gentiles. Different makes them feel special and binds them as a group.

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Posted by: GNPE1 ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 01:31AM

When at meals with a lds group who prays, I suggest all Join Hands, as a group / circle-like.

Ask me how many times I've been cursed for this suggestion, Go Ahead...

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Posted by: Tevai ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 01:32AM

GNPE1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ask me how many times I've been cursed for this
> suggestion, Go Ahead...

How many times have you been cursed for this suggestion, GNPE1?

:D

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Posted by: bluebutterfly ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 03:31AM

I don't have an official answer, but my parents sure did yell at us if we weren't folding our arms. And now they do it with my TBM nieces and nephews. It's so aggressive and mean what they do while trying to force children to be reverent and get ready to pray.

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Posted by: Dave the Atheist ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 09:52AM

If their arms are folded it is harder for them to pickpocket you.

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Posted by: MarkJ ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 10:25AM

I always thought it was one of those little trivial things Mormons could point to and say, "We're not like those people. We're different." With the implication being that, "We're better."

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Posted by: presleynfactsrock ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 03:03PM

Interesting and fun question, and makes me think of stacking this one up next to the endless number of "things" the MormonCult does which members are indoctrinated to do, never questioning.

Get babtised for dead members? Sure, will do that.

Pay tithing before my rent? You betjurboots!

Serve a youth mission when I'd rather be chasing girls? Uh, uh, well ok but only because I get a red Corvette when I return.

Read my scriptures morning and night when I'm plain worn out? Well, maybe once in a while.

Marry a return missionary in the sacred temple? Certainly!

And on and on and on........

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Posted by: GregS ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 03:06PM

To keep warm against Stan's chilling presence?

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Posted by: Roy G Biv ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 04:57PM

It's so the women's boobs are covered, and a reminder for the men to not look at said boobs while everyone has their eyes closed.

Now that actually makes mormon sense!

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Posted by: Boyd K. Pecker ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 05:13PM

So the boys and men won't M during the prayer.

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Posted by: snowball ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 05:25PM

We were told to from age 3...or earlier.

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Posted by: xxxMMooo ( )
Date: July 24, 2018 05:46PM

Early Christians and some modern evangelicals raise their hands up into the air when praying which probably makes more sense. There are indications that this was also done in Mormonism ... I've seen old photos (1890s-1920s) of elders holding their hands up during invocations. It might only have been during the blessing of the sacrament though.

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Posted by: exminion ( )
Date: July 25, 2018 12:01AM

'Cuz we were taught in Primary to keep our little hands from being busy.

"We fold our arms and bow our head,
While the prayer is being said."

The leader would not begin the prayer until every child was in the arms-folded position.

Many children were grabbed from behind, by an adult, who pulled their arms tighter across the body, like a straight jacket. It was handy to have the kids already in straight-jacket position. Control through discipline.

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Posted by: baura ( )
Date: July 25, 2018 01:28AM

Look at any painting of Jesus praying in Gethsemane. Does he
have his arms folded and his head bowed?

https://www.google.com/search?q=Jesus+Gethsemane&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiA3ZXFwrncAhVJMt8KHSb2DS0Q_AUICigB&biw=947&bih=459

Mormons pray that way because it is symbolic of the strait-jacket
they've put on their minds.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2018 01:30AM by baura.

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Posted by: ificouldhietokolob ( )
Date: July 25, 2018 11:11AM

Yeah, and as we all know, those paintings of Jesus in Gethsemane are eyewitness depictions of what actually happened there! So they must be right!

:)

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Posted by: caffiend ( )
Date: July 25, 2018 12:15PM

I especially like the straitjacket imagery, Baura.

The posture for prayer strikes me as akin to the way the dead are often posed for public viewing, arms crossed on the chest.

They may be seated instead of supine, but Mormons are spiritual corpses.

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