Reverencing the altar

This place is the heart of the church building. Every altar is a place of miracles. As we enter church, and as the procession does, we bow to the altar. 

Most churches are a progression from font (by the door) to altar (at the east end). The architecture takes us on a theological journey, a mini pilgrimage from birth to death and beyond death to heaven (see St Giles’ East Window full of Saints - the Company of Heaven!). 

We bow to the altar, and genuflect (bend the right knee to the ground) to the Sacrament of Holy Communion itself. It may not be something you’re used to. Don’t worry, give it a try. Clearly it belongs to courtly fashions in times gone by, when we would have bowed to lords and ladies, kings and queens. It may seem unnatural  when you start bowing or genuflecting, but soon you’ll find that your body can help you pray even when your mind might wander! 

Our bodies, and the physical movements of the ritual can anchor us in prayer, and stir us to worship in a deeper way than our minds on their own.