I sit in the traditional zazen position to meditate.  I have a little cushion that I put my but on; it helps me drop my hips and straighten my spine and it's a lot more comfortable than sitting on the floor.  So, I sit cross legged on that, and I either place my hand on my knees, palms facing upwards...or I hold them together in the tradtional 'prayer' pose with my thumbs making contact with my solar plexus.

At first it was a little different, getting used to meditating that way, but now...it's like second nature, and it allows me to concentrate on meditating (which is actually an oxymoron since meditating is supposed to be thining about nothing...). 

I use the 'prayer hands' when I'm trying to send out good thoughts to someone or when I'm asking the universe to help me help someone else.  It's my way of showing respect and deference to an entity, a power if you will....that is much, much greater than I.  I don't see it as being subservient, but at the same time I don't see myself as an equal to it....it's really hard to explain.  The way I see it, the universe doesn't want me to crawl on my hand and knees and acknowldge it's awesome might, it doesn't want me to fawn and worship (and to be honest, I wouldn't want anything to do with ANY deity or entity that would require me to do that.  No offense to you and your beliefs, but this whole "I'm not worthy to gather the crumbs from under your table" thing that some branches of christianity has going on really makes me cringe).  It wants me to see that it's there, to come to know it....and along with that knowledge will come respect.

To answer your other question, no, I don't think it's necessary to be in any specific position to pray....but I do think that some positions are more condusive to prayer and meditation than others.  It's difficult to concentrate on prayer when you're thinking about how damn much your leg hurts because you've got it wrapped around the back of your head.

(although I only need to hear "on the toilet" once, please).

pretty much never, it just seems to disrespectful........

All the time, wherever I'm at. I try to pray at least once in the mornings, and over meals, but I pray short prayers all the time, wherever I'm at..........excepting the toilet. I don't feel compelled to pray at set times, but having a routine time helps me make sure that I pray often, and about things I may not talk about in my shorter prayers.

It depends on the kind of prayer.

For more formal personal and family prayers I take the classic Christian kneel, fold my arms, bow my head and close my eyes, position. For more off the cuff prayers for specific purposes or blessings, it is whatever position I happen to be in when I feel the need to either ask my Heavenly Father for something special for me or someone else, or when I feel the need to thank Him immediately.

This article reminds me of a saying we were taught many years ago concerning more formal prayer positions that always brings a smile to my face (and was the first thing I thought of with the "toilet" thing)... "On your knees or on your feet but never, never, in your seat." ;~D

Okay, clarification: I meant the toilet bit to be directly referenced to "heavy thinking." I didn't really expect anyone to say, "Every time I grunt one out, I dedicate it to the Lord!" Seriously.

I also anticipated someone intentionally misinterpreting it as "heavy drinking," but I guess the only one degenerating the discussion right now is me...

I tried something different at Mass tonight. I raised my face some of the time, instead of just looking down ashamedly. And I smiled. Mass was great.

I raised my face some of the time, instead of just looking down ashamedly.

That's my boy! Raise your head, let your god see you smiling as he/she/it looks down on you.

We have different personnifications of the same deity/supreme being/higher power, I think.....but I know that when I meditate/pray, I want the universe to know how happy I am. To lift up my face, to smile......that furthers my practice, you dig?

I tried something different at Mass tonight. I raised my face some of the time, instead of just looking down ashamedly. And I smiled. Mass was great.

Now dance! Dance with all your might before the Lord!!! And make sure you're wearing boxers unlike that stinky nudist, King David.

P.S. Do you go to the catholic church on V.A. and Georgetown?

P.P.S. Were you wearing the t-shirt?

We have different personnifications of the same deity/supreme being/higher power, I think.....

I often feel like that, yes.

Now dance!

Um. No?

And make sure you're wearing boxers

Boxer briefs, almost exclusively now. (Tighty whities for PT still.)

Do you go to the catholic church on V.A. and Georgetown?

I'm terrible with street names. If that's the one in the town west of where I work, then the answer is "usually." Tonight was on post, though. I think I like this service better, at least if I get to the one with those same musicians...

Were you wearing the t-shirt?

I don't think I'm seriously considering the shirt. I was serious when I said it might threaten my burgeoning faith. Maybe some time down the line, when I'm fully secure in it, but not now.

Thank you both (and Ted!) for posting.