Should I look down during a prayer? Close my eyes?

[Anonymous]

Just be sure not to cross your fingers. God does not like that.

[Anonymous]

I don't bow my head or close my eyes, but I'm quiet and otherwise respectful.

[Anonymous]

My own personal take on it is that you should do what helps you to concentrate and focus on the prayer. Looking around with head up and eyes open can be distracting ("Our Father, who art in heaven. Look, that lady's dress is hideous! Did I remember to turn off the coffee pot? Hallowed be thy name").

Head bowed can be a sign of respect whether for God, or for the environment even if you are a non-believer, as can the uplifted arms if that's your style or is common in your church. In our Catholic parish you see some members with their hands open at about chest-level rather than folded but not the full-on arms raised above their heads the way you might in a Baptist or more evangelical church.

Sometimes I close my eyes, but these days mine tend to be open so I can keep an eye on my kids, which does mean I'm a bit less focused on the praying these days!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My own personal take on it is that you should do what helps you to concentrate and focus on the prayer. Looking around with head up and eyes open can be distracting ("Our Father, who art in heaven. Look, that lady's dress is hideous! Did I remember to turn off the coffee pot? Hallowed be thy name").

Head bowed can be a sign of respect whether for God, or for the environment even if you are a non-believer, as can the uplifted arms if that's your style or is common in your church. In our Catholic parish you see some members with their hands open at about chest-level rather than folded but not the full-on arms raised above their heads the way you might in a Baptist or more evangelical church.

Sometimes I close my eyes, but these days mine tend to be open so I can keep an eye on my kids, which does mean I'm a bit less focused on the praying these days!

Unless you don't believe in prayer and you're in church for something else, like supporting you kid who is going to the catholic school there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My own personal take on it is that you should do what helps you to concentrate and focus on the prayer. Looking around with head up and eyes open can be distracting ("Our Father, who art in heaven. Look, that lady's dress is hideous! Did I remember to turn off the coffee pot? Hallowed be thy name").

Head bowed can be a sign of respect whether for God, or for the environment even if you are a non-believer, as can the uplifted arms if that's your style or is common in your church. In our Catholic parish you see some members with their hands open at about chest-level rather than folded but not the full-on arms raised above their heads the way you might in a Baptist or more evangelical church.

Sometimes I close my eyes, but these days mine tend to be open so I can keep an eye on my kids, which does mean I'm a bit less focused on the praying these days!

Unless you don't believe in prayer and you're in church for something else, like supporting you kid who is going to the catholic school there.

That goes back to what a few of the atheists or non-practicing folks upthread have said, i.e. quiet and respectful, head bowed or not, not out of any particular faith but simply being aware of the solemnity of those around you.

[Anonymous]

I am a Protestant. Lately, I've been keeping mine open for fear I might fall asleep during prayer. I've been tired lately.

[Anonymous]

I use it as a good time to check out the people around me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use it as a good time to check out the people around me.

Ogling?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, but I bow my head to be respectful. Eyes stay open though.

Me, too. I also glance around to see what other people are doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, but I bow my head to be respectful. Eyes stay open though.

Me, too. I also glance around to see what other people are doing.

What are they usually doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, but I bow my head to be respectful. Eyes stay open though.

Me, too. I also glance around to see what other people are doing.

What are they usually doing?

Some have their heads down and eyes closed. Other are looking around, others are staring straight ahead.

[Anonymous]

To be respectful of others saying prayers, the very minimum is to be quiet & still while others pray. To take it up a notch, bowing your head is nice, but not required.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, but I bow my head to be respectful. Eyes stay open though.

Me, too. I also glance around to see what other people are doing.

What are they usually doing?

Some have their heads down and eyes closed. Other are looking around, others are staring straight ahead.

Are the ones looking around not religious?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, but I bow my head to be respectful. Eyes stay open though.

Me, too. I also glance around to see what other people are doing.

What are they usually doing?

Some have their heads down and eyes closed. Other are looking around, others are staring straight ahead.

Are the ones looking around not religious?

can't tell - probably some of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an atheist, but I bow my head to be respectful. Eyes stay open though.

Me, too. I also glance around to see what other people are doing.

What are they usually doing?

Some have their heads down and eyes closed. Other are looking around, others are staring straight ahead.

Are the ones looking around not religious?

can't tell - probably some of them.

They are checking out people and winking back!