Hands
A visual symbol that can be placed on the cover of service bulletins, within the written liturgy, or on a large screen display.
Black and white .jpeg image for download. Inverted .jpeg image for download.
Description of Hands
We speak with our hands, communicating to others and to God the yearning of our whole being. We clench them in frustration or anger, raise them up in prayer, or lay them on another for healing and blessing. As we open our hands we show our willingness to receive and give, presenting ourselves as a response to God's gracious gift.
Scripture References
- Psalm 50:14
- Matthew 5:23-24
- Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Occasions for Use
- Offering
- Confession and Assurance
- Prayers of the People
- The Lord's Supper
- Pentecost
- Ordination
The image is an original linoleum block print resulting from a printmaking process in which an image is drawn on a block of wood covered with a thin layer of linoleum, and then hand-carved to expose areas that will be white. Ink is rolled onto the block, covering the surface not cut away. Paper made from the mulberry tree is laid on top and hand rubbed with a Japanese barren or wooden spoon. In transferring the ink to the paper the resulting image is a reflection of the design placed on the block. It first appeared in the book Visuals for Worship (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2006) which is no longer in print.
When using the image please include the following acknowledgment: “Linoleum block print by Elizabeth Steele Halstead."