The Praying Hands

If you’ve ever been to a Christian bookstore, church, or website, you’ve probably noticed a pair of praying hands that look familiar to you. In reality, these are all the same images, and Albrecht Dürer created a work of art known as the praying hands. 

Although it appears to be a simple drawing of a pair of hands clasped in prayer, this storey has a deeper meaning. The image of the praying hands dates from the fifteenth century and comes from a small and humble village near Nuremberg, Germany. Albrecht, the artist who created this lasting work of art, lived with a family of eighteen children. He was one of eighteen brothers and sisters. Even though their father was a goldsmith by trade, he couldn’t afford anything other than the bare necessities for his children because he had so many mouths to feed. 

Albrecht and Albert, the two eldest children, both had a dream, despite their family’s financial situation. They both desired to pursue their dreams in the field of art and further develop their talents. But, knowing their father’s financial situation, they knew he’d never be able to send either of them to the academy.

So, after much deliberation in their cramped bedroom, the boys came to an agreement. A coin toss would be used to decide. The loser would work at a nearby mine, and his earnings would go toward supporting the winner at the academy. When the winning brother finished his studies in four years, he would return to support the other brother at the academy through the sale of his artwork or by working in the mines if necessary.

The coin toss took place on Sunday morning after they had finished church. Albrecht was the winner, and he went to study in Nuremberg as a result. 

On the other hand, Albert went to work in the dangerous mines for four years to support his brother. Albrecht was so talented that he became a sensation in the academy, so his brother’s sacrifice was not in vain. His drawings, etchings, oil paintings, and woodcuts were superior to most of his professors. By the time he finished his studies, the money he had earned from commissioned work was substantial. 

When Albrecht returned to his village, the Durer family gathered for a dinner feast to celebrate their son’s triumphant return. It was a joyous occasion in which everyone ate and laughed. When it came time for a toast, Albrecht rose from his prestigious seat at the head of the table and dedicated his first toast to his beloved brother Albert, who had worked in the mines for him all these years. 

“And now it’s your turn, Albert, my blessed brother. You can now go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will look after you.” 

Everyone looked to Albert, expecting him to accept the offer and leave mining to pursue his studies. On the other hand, Albert was sad, his eyes streaming with tears over his pale face. He began to sob and kept repeating, “No… no… no… no.” 

Everyone was taken aback and surprised. Albert finally stood up and wiped his tears away. He then looked down the long table at everyone at the feast, holding his hands close to his cheeks. 

“Unfortunately, I am unable to go to Nuremberg, brother. For me, it is too late.” 

He then extended his hands. 

“See…. See what four years of hard labour in the mines have done to my hands. Every bone in my finger has been broken at least once, and I now have arthritis so bad that I can’t even hold my glass properly to return your toast. What’s more, drawing delicate lines with a pen and brush on parchment and canvas is possible. No, brother, it’s too late for me,” he lamented. 

His brother’s great sacrifice so moved Albrecht that he was inspired to use Albert as a model for his subsequent work. It was a component of an altarpiece he had been commissioned to create for a patron. He asked his brother to do a prayer pose for him. From this, he drew a simple but meticulously detailed ink, and pencil sketch of his brother’s hands clasped in prayer, fingers pointing skyward. The finished product was a labour of love that he simply titled “Hands.” His grand ode to his brother, the man responsible for his success. Little did he know that the drawing would go on to become one of the most famous works of art, with a legacy that would last until today and be known as the “Praying Hands.” 

Despite its simplicity, the drawing captures the essence of the secret storey of true brotherly love, generosity, and sacrifice. Though more than 450 years have passed, it continues to be a favourite of Christians from generation to generation, hanging on the walls of many Christian homes, reminding us of the importance of praying for our needs. 

It also serves as a great reminder that the greatest sacrifices are often the most hidden and thus the most pleasing in God’s sight. Albert’s sacrifice had a tremendous spiritual impact because it provided the world with one of the greatest artists who ever lived. 

Albrecht’s masterful works include portraits, sketches, watercolours, charcoals, woodcuts, and even copper engravings, but his most recognisable work is a humble drawing of his brother’s abused hands. You may have seen it in a church or a Christian bookstore, and perhaps you have it hanging in your own home or office. 

So, the next time you come across a magnificent work of art, take a moment to reflect on the valuable lessons that this storey has taught you, especially in your prayer life. Like our prayers for others and things, we, like Albert, toil in the mines, perhaps wondering if our efforts will ever bear fruit. They may not come as we might expect them to, just as Albert was unable to attend art school when his hard work finally paid off, with the rise of Albrecht’s career and name as one of the greatest artists in history. But little did he know that his mining in the dark and his constant prayers would be remembered by the people of the world and future generations, with a tiny step of Divine inspiration leading to Albrecht having the idea of using his hands clasped in prayer as a modal for his great masterpiece. Though few people know what Albert looked like, many people would recognise those familiar hands. Those worn out but faithfully clasped hands in faithful prayer to God will forever remind us of how sacrifice, long-suffering, and steadfast prayer can result in results that will outlast us and our generation. But, in the end, it all comes back to God and how he can transform a miner into a work of art, as well as a reminder of the power of prayer.