One the largest bronze sculpture in the world, the Praying Hands sculpture is located at the entrance to the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The monument represents an especially imaginative way to physically welcome visitors and guests to the area that also connects them to the philosophy that defines the campus and school.
Transforming Experiences
Created by artist Leonard McMurray in 1980, each hand of the monument was cast in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and sent to Tulsa in 450 pieces. Over 60 feet tall and weighing 30 tons, it is said that one is modeled on the hand of Oral Roberts himself, while the other is from one of his sons. The positioning of the hands in prayer very much connects to the philosophy of Roberts himself and the university, which is deeply committed to prayer and worship.
Originally called “The Healing Hands,” the monument stood in front of Oral Roberts’ City of Faith Medical and Research Center, directly outside of the CityPlex Towers. This complex was established as a holistic Christian hospital by the school. After declaring bankruptcy in 1989, the monument was moved to the entrance drive of the school in 1991 and renamed “Praying Hands.”
The monument completely transforms the campus experience for visitors no matter how they see or approach the monument. Additionally, the Wall of Sacrifice that commemorates members of the community who gave their lives for the cause creates an additional means of connection. All of these experiences highlight what it can mean for a monument to imaginatively create engagement that connects people to a place and philosophy.
Forever Locked in Prayer
Oral Roberts University was founded by an evangelist whose commitment to his faith was absolute, with prayer being an essential part of his life that was foundational to the institution. Forever locked in prayer, Praying Hands is connected to this philosophy, helping audiences to connect with this ethos while also providing them with an especially Imaginative way to engage with it.
