The further we get from the source, the more painfully obvious it becomes that the Church has embibed unhealthy doses of Hellenism. And because the law of prayer is the law of belief (lex orandi lex credendi), the most potent influences are hoisted upon us in Christian worship. I quote from Uzukwu's book Worship as Body Language:
"The matter is outlined in bold relief by two characteristic figures: the thinking Socrates and the praying Jew. When Socrates was seized by a problem, he remained immobile for an interminable period of time in deep thought; when Holy Scripture is read alound in the synagogue, the orthodox Jew moves his whole body ceaselessly in deep devotion and adoration." Thus the Greek way is "rest, harmony, composure, and self control." Whereas the Hebrew way is "movement, life, deep emotion, and power."
Because we are wholistic creatures, the way we move our bodies has deep alliances with our communion with God (1 Cor. 6:19). May we learn to pray like Hebrews.
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