The Nonverbal Languages Of Prayer

When we think of prayer, we probably think of words that we speak, sing, or read. Yet human communication happens as much through nonverbal means as through verbal ones. This article probes the nature and influence of nonverbal communication and argues that it should be intentionally employed in worship. Not long ago, a well-known magazine carried an article on what happens to Christians who participate in the Eucharist on a regular basis. Its fruits, according to the article, are joy, peace, love, and a sense of union. The editors were surprised to receive letters from many Christians in response to the article reporting that such feelings and participation are often not evoked by the liturgy. The liturgical movement since Vatican II has done much to remedy this situation, yet the problem continues. Today's Christians are determinedly loyal; many attend worship even though the experience often leads them to frustration, anger, and apathy. The cause of our frustration lies partiall…