The great gesture of prayer

The great gesture of prayer is said to have its origins on Mount AthosIt is a conscious movement that involves the whole body – not just as an external form, but as an expression of inner connection with oneself, the world, and the divine mystery.

Maybe you know this Sign of the Cross, a short prayer gesture that ends at the level of the heart. But why should spirituality stop there? Isn't God present in our entire body—even in the depths of our being? Spirituality encompasses us as a whole.

The prayer gesture as a flowing movement

The Great Prayer Gesture is more than a series of movements—it can become a profound prayer that connects you with your inner self and the divine mystery. You can perform it at your own pace, fast or slow, or consciously linger at individual stations.

If you want to try them out, you can find them on our YouTube channel a process that you can pray along with. We will design it according to Franz-Xaver Jans-Scheidegger and VIA CORDIS ®.

Below you will find a detailed description with drawings that will help you understand the movements and perhaps get started yourself.

Here you can find the extension by lying down.