Contemplative Body Prayer

Touch the earth

Go outside and walk barefoot, lie on the ground, or touch the earth with your hand. As you allow yourself to rest and be supported there, imagine the exchange of life-giving energy that is taking place between you and the earth.

Breathe (4 -7-8)

Breathe deeply.
In: 4 counts
Hold: 7 counts
Out: 8 counts
Do this at least 10 times.

Tap into St. Julian of Norwich

Reminiscent of early yogic poses, St. Julian of Norwich's body prayer has four simple postures & intentions:
Await God's presence
Allow a sense of God's presence to come or no
Accept whatever comes as a gift
Attend - to what you are called to.
See the 3-minute video below for a beautiful demonstration.

Six Gestures of the Morning Praise
(Joyce Rupp)

"Each morning when I arise I begin the day with these six gestures. I join spirit and body in praising the Holy One and offering my thanks for life. As I do the gestures, I say a one line prayer and then remain in that posture for a brief time" (Joyce Rupp,

Offering the Creator praise and gratitude: Stretch your arms high and wide above your head. I thank you, Holy One, for the gift of another day of life.
Intentionally being aware of my spiritual bond with all of creation:
Hold arms out from your sides, a little below shoulder height. Move (pivot) to the left and to the right with your arms stretching outward toward the cosmos. I reach out in compassion to my sisters and brothers throughout the universe.
Offering my life to the Holy One:
Stretch your arms out straight in front of you, slightly apart, palms up.
I give to you all I am and all I have.
Opening to accept what the Holy One offers me this day: Pull your hands close together and cup them as a container. I open my entire being to receive the gift that you have waiting for me in this new day.
Remembering to be kind to our planet Earth: Bend over, reach down, and touch the floor, or better yet, the ground, if you are outside. I touch this planet, Earth, with awe, reverence, and gratitude, promising to care well for her today.
Awareness of the indwelling presence of the Holy One:
Stand up, cross hands over your heart, and bow to the waist. May I be united with you throughout this day, aware of your love strengthening me and shining through me.