Christians have a long-standing tradition of praying toward the east. This tradition can be traced back to the early days of Christianity and has been practiced throughout the centuries.
The practice of facing east during prayer has its roots in both historical and symbolic reasons. Historically, it is believed that the early Christians prayed facing east because it was the direction from which the sun rises. The rising sun was seen as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life. By praying toward the east, Christians were reminded of their faith in Christ’s resurrection and the promise of salvation.
Symbolically, facing east during prayer is also associated with the idea of looking toward the “New Jerusalem” or the heavenly kingdom. In the book of Revelation, it is described that the glory of God comes from the east, and the heavenly city is said to have its gates on the east side. So, by facing east, Christians symbolically direct their prayers towards God’s heavenly dwelling place.
Throughout history, this practice has been observed in various Christian traditions, including Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and some Anglican and Catholic churches. In these traditions, the altar is often placed on the eastern side of the church, and the congregation faces east during worship.
However, it is important to note that not all Christians follow this practice. In many Protestant churches, there is no specific direction in which people are required to face during prayer. The focus is more on the content of the prayer and the attitude of the heart rather than the physical direction.
In my own experience, I have attended churches where the congregation faced east during prayer. There is a sense of unity and tradition in praying in the same direction as the early Christians did. It also serves as a reminder of the resurrection and the hope we have in Christ. However, I have also been in churches where the direction of prayer is not emphasized, and the emphasis is more on the personal relationship with God rather than the physical orientation.
While the practice of facing east during prayer is a longstanding tradition in many Christian denominations, it is not universally observed by all Christians. It is a practice that has both historical and symbolic significance, reminding believers of the resurrection and looking towards the heavenly kingdom. Ultimately, the direction in which one prays is a matter of personal or denominational preference rather than a doctrinal requirement.