The Praying Hands

     Many people have seen this symbol and know it as the Praying Hands. If you were brought up in a religious household you will have been taught that these hands are a depiction of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, the actual story behind this art, which was rendered by Albrecht Durer, a Nuremberg, Germany inhabitant who executed all mediums of art, is more amazing than what is currently known among most people who readily recognize it.

     This amazingly enduring art comes all the way back from the 15^th century when two brothers, Albrecht and Albert Durer lived with their parents and no less than sixteen other siblings in a village nearby to Nuremberg. They both wanted to pursue art as a career but knew that their family could not afford for both of them to study their chosen profession although equally talented. The decision was made that only one son could be sent off to school which meant that the other would have to do heavy labor of some sort to support the schooling. Both clearly had the aptitude to go so they decided to toss a coin and choosing heads or tails would be the deciding factor for their fates. The winner would pursue his art while the other brother would labor in the mines. Albrecht won the coin toss and the rest of the story is heart-wrenching but also inspiring.

     Albrecht’s work created an immediate sensation in Germany and he began to garner large fees for his art. As was originally agreed, after four years of studies and success Albrecht told his brother that it was now his turn to study and learn his art and Albrecht would now work in the mines. His brother’s response was, “No. I cannot go. Look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once and my arthritis is so bad, I can barely raise a glass much less make delicate lines on canvas. No brother… for me, it is too late.”

Albrecht's self portrait

   

 

At first this made Albrecht sad. To know that his success had destroyed his brother’s future in art was almost too much for him to bear. To pay homage to Albert for all he had sacrificed, Albrecht painstakingly drew his brother’s crippled hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called this powerful drawing Hands but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love ‘The Praying Hands.’

     This true story of sacrifice and gratitude is a testament and a reminder to all people that no one ever makes it alone.

Thank you heavenly Father for restoration and healing,

You are the God who sees us and

You keep Your promise to always be by our side.

We praise You and You alone.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

(at 19)

The Castle Lady