Most of us have been taught to bow our heads in prayer. But what if the power we seek isn’t beneath us – but above?
“I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2
I noticed that there are many verses in the Bible referencing lifting our eyes. After stumbling upon a post by thefaithfilledtherapist, I learned that there is a scientific reason for looking up.
When we look up, we can trigger our parasympathetic nervous system which allows our body to calm down as it regulates. (Note: this is widely debated, but there is proof that looking upwards in general causes an awe response which helps shift our minds away from current stressors.) There’s many studies looking at eye movement, too, and how looking up and around can be beneficial (EMDR therapy uses similar techniques).
I realized, for myself, that looking up is actually a great way to pray. Not only do I feel happier and calmer, but I feel as though I’m searching for a glimpse of God.
We do so much looking down. We look at our phones, food, belongings, etc. When I pray an open-eyed thanks-giving prayer, I want to pray looking up into the face of God. I want to experience Him, distraction free. I want to take in the sky, the trees, the ceiling, the sun. I want to look for God as a child looks up for their parent.
God says, "Look up, child."
Lifting my head, I see Him.
My face brims with joy.
Try looking upwards and taking a deep breath, breathing in and out the name of God.
Yah (breathe in) — Weh (breathe out)
How does it make you feel? What sensations are happening in your body as you look up and breathe in and out the name of God?
Song Recommendation: “Look Up Child” by Lauren Daigle
EMILY DICKINSON 