Praying Hands Symbol

In 1508 German artist Albrecht Duerer (1471-1528) created a sketch of praying hands as a study for an altar painting. Legend has it that the hands were those of his brother Albert who suffered from severe arthritis, which had frustrated his own hopes of pursuing art.

Some have called Duerer "the best Lutheran artist the Catholic Church ever had." His work has become closely associated with the Reformation, though he never left the Roman Church. He openly expressed an appreciation for Dr. Luther's work, and wrote Roman officials in hopes of permitting the Reformation to flourish. He once wrote, "O God, if Luther is dead, who will henceforth teach us the holy Gospel so clearly?"

"Praying Hands" has become one of Duerer's most famous works. It rivals Leonardo daVinci's Last Supper as one of the most beloved pieces of art in western Christendom. In this season it serves as a blessed reminder of the thanksgiving we owe to our gracious God, who has provided for all of our earthly and eternal needs through Christ our Lord.

Donald Moldstad is Chaplain at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota.