Free essay on how art and architecture contribute to the meaning of prayer

Places of worship are specifically designed structures where people go to perform religious study, veneration and devotion. They are among the most remarkable and permanent colossal structures that have been constructed by humanity. The style used in the construction of these buildings is largely a product of art and architecture and has helped worshippers to comfortably conduct their prayers. Most worshippers believe that God dwells in these structures. Worshippers believe that prayers conducted in the buildings will ultimately be heard by God.
Buildings, both inside and outside, speak a lot about God. Old buildings especially, enable worshippers gain a picture of the gospel. The buildings not only say something about god but also shape its inhabitants. The right worship space merely not about inspiration or aesthetics, but it is about discipleship. The worshipping zones or places shape the worshippers’ prayers. Art and architecture plays a great role in worshipping and gives meaning to prayers.
During the epiphany season, a mosaic banner (a product of art), is used to reflect this period. Revelation takes place, and people start seeing things with new eyes. A style reminiscent of the byzantine age is used to help parishioners perceive themselves as part of the cloud of witnesses to Christ’s power of revitalization. The clear glasses are used to put the communion so as to reveal representation of Christ’s blood. This enables the worshippers to see god in the normal things of the world hence feel that their prayers are taken into account. Additionally, sophisticated semiotics, iconography and sacred geometry has helped in the production of many stuffs that have added value to prayers. Sacred architecture solely targets to clear the boundary between “ matter and mind, flesh and the spirit”. Islamic architecture drew from Christian architectural features such as mosaics, columnar arches and domes. This illustrates the importance value of architecture in prayers.
Visual arts are attractive, colorful, and largely nonrepresentational. They are used in decorating worshiping places and create a serene environment, from where worshippers can conduct their prayers from. Hymns, created through art, compliments prayers. Additionally, it is another form of prayer. Singing spiritual hymns affects the congregation’s mood and gets to concentrate more on prayers. Naturally, a prayer is a form of request. It requires full cognizant participation of the one praying, intellectual, body, soul and with will. The hymns and the various items in the church enable the one praying to create a direct link with the Creator. The creator hears all that the worshipper says and responds.
Architectural designs have enabled Christians to establish an indirect representation of Jesus by use of pictograms. Additionally, things such as the cross that symbolizes Christ’s crucifixion were created. This has enabled Christians to direct their prayers to a physical Jesus that they can see. This has furthered their beliefs in the living Christ. Additionally, worshipping places are full of symbols of angels and prophets that are meant to give worshippers the hope that their prayers are being guided and guarded by the holy trinity.
In conclusion, art and architecture add meaning to prayers in various ways. The design of the worshipping places, hymns, decorative items and the various musical elements that are utilized in worshipping places are a product of art and architecture. They affect worshippers’ mood when praying and instills into the believer an everlasting hope.