Why do Mormons fold their arms when we pray?

[San Juan Sun]

Sorry to clutter up the foyer with my question, but I've been wondering about this for a few days.

Why am I teaching my kids to pray with their arms folded? I don't think it's nessecarily scriptural. It certainly contrasts against other religionists who, for example, hold hands around the table when they say grace.

I guess I'm trying to say that I'd prefer to pray like Dog the Bounty Hunter. Does anyone know where the arm foldinh came from?

[shoganai]

Sorry to clutter up the foyer with my question, but I've been wondering about this for a few days.

Why am I teaching my kids to pray with their arms folded? I don't think it's nessecarily scriptural. It certainly contrasts against other religionists who, for example, hold hands around the table when they say grace.

I guess I'm trying to say that I'd prefer to pray like Dog the Bounty Hunter. Does anyone know where the arm foldinh came from?

Someone may be able to clarify this, but I believe it actually goes back to an old western theological tradition of showing humility when communicating with God.

The act of folding arms/hands (combined with kneeling or bowing) is just that - an ancient form of showing humility by putting ones self in a perceptually weaker physical position.

Of course nowadays it's just a way to teach kids to be reverent and not squirm.

[San Juan Sun]

Someone may be able to clarify this, but I believe it actually goes back to an old western theological tradition of showing humility when communicating with God.

The act of folding arms/hands (combined with kneeling or bowing) is just that - an ancient form of showing humility by putting ones self in a perceptually weaker physical position.

Of course nowadays it's just a way to teach kids to be reverent and not squirm.

You think so? Because many Christians clasp their hands, etc. Arm folding (in my limited experience) has been limited to Mormons.

[shoganai]

You think so? Because many Christians clasp their hands, etc. Arm folding (in my limited experience) has been limited to Mormons.

I think it all comes from the same place. Folding arms might be more of a mormon quirk, but it seems like I have seen some of my evangelical friends do it...

[pellegrino]

Someone may be able to clarify this, but I believe it actually goes back to an old western theological tradition of showing humility when communicating with God.

The act of folding arms/hands (combined with kneeling or bowing) is just that - an ancient form of showing humility by putting ones self in a perceptually weaker physical position.

Of course nowadays it's just a way to teach kids to be reverent and not squirm.

ancient, no, medieval, yes. Solon can correct me if I'm wrong, but the ancients prayed standing with their arms outstretched towards heaven, looking up all the while. The concept of kneeling or prostrating oneself before God with hands clasped derives from medieval customs of addressing royalty or one in a higher position.

[grapevine]

Do you have to kneel or can you lay down to pray? What about closing eyes. My favorite thing why were you doing that in the prayer? Response how did you know what were your eyes doing open? Another one have you seen someone smiling and heard a giggle so everyone started laughing during the prayer. Who hasn't done that once in a while?

[All-American]

We kneel because that's what you would do in medieval times when you addressed royalty. When Christ prayed, he lifted his head toward the heavens (See John 17:1). Romans held their hands out in cupping shape while praying.

It's an attitude thing.

[Tim]

I stopped folding my arms to pray at around age 12 or 13. I thought it looked stupid and I still do. I clasp my hands when I pray and prefer that. When I pray at the pulpit I hold each side of it general authority style.

[All-American]

I stopped folding my arms to pray at around age 12 or 13. I thought it looked stupid and I still do. I clasp my hands when I pray and prefer that. When I pray at the pulpit I hold each side of it general authority style.

I try to stand on a tall tower when I do it. And I say thanks for making me better than other people.

[Katy Lied]

I try to stand on a tall tower when I do it. And I say thanks for making me better than other people.

Me too. And I work my minions harder, in order to build me taller prayer towers.

[BoylenOver]

Do you have to kneel or can you lay down to pray? What about closing eyes. My favorite thing why were you doing that in the prayer? Response how did you know what were your eyes doing open? Another one have you seen someone smiling and heard a giggle so everyone started laughing during the prayer. Who hasn't done that once in a while?

One of my favorite jokes, actually.

[marsupial]

Mormons can't be the only ones folding their arms to prayer--at least, we didn't make it up. Have you ever read [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Walter-Baker-Eric-Carle/dp/0689800789"]Amazon.com: Walter the Baker (9780689800788): Eric Carle: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZBKD17EDL.@@AMEPARAM@@51ZBKD17EDL[/ame] by Eric Carle? Pretzels are in the shape of arms folded in prayer.

[Indy Coug]

You teach kids to fold their arms because that way it's less likely they're thumping the person next to them in church or at the dinner table. It's pure pragmatism.

[Surfah]

You teach kids to fold their arms because that way it's less likely they're thumping the person next to them in church or at the dinner table. It's pure pragmatism.

There is truth to this.

[pellegrino]

You teach kids to fold their arms because that way it's less likely they're thumping the person next to them in church or at the dinner table. It's pure pragmatism.

how many boys do you have?