Laughter Yoga In Churches / With Religious Groups

Posted On May 4, 2010 In Category How People Use LY

As surprising as it may seem, there is both a need and a demand for Laughter Yoga in Churches throughout America (they just don’t know it yet). In the words of American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr “Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.” St. Thomas Aquinas himself said “It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.” Consider the example of Laura Gentry, an ordained Lutheran Minister from Lansing, Iowa, and a strong advocate of Laughter Yoga. Her congregation actually chose to rename themselves “the laughing Lutherans” (see www.laughinglutherans.com).

Consider the example of Laura Gentry, an ordained Lutheran Minister from Lansing, Iowa, and a strong advocate of Laughter Yoga. Her congregation actually chose to rename themselves "the laughing Lutherans".

How can a mind that is gloomy and dull, love? And isn’t God all about Love?

Unconditional laughter is the purest form of laughter there is because it puts us in touch with the Divine essence ofÂ who we are: childlike, whole, reflections of a perfect source that emanates joy and unconditional love.

The best part is that it comes with no strings or beliefs attached. All you can expect from a laughter session is that it will make you feel really good, connected with those around you and at peace inside. Inherently there is nothing to explain. You will only be asked to laugh with others, never at them.

â€œIâ€™m surprised how quickly our laughter club has taken off. Itâ€™s a good ice-breaker for people to get to know one another. Itâ€™s such a fantastic outreach that itâ€™s hardly a laughing matter.â€ — Don Thran, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Below are select Bible verses that speak of joy and laughter. Thank you to pastor Laura Gentry for compiling this list.

Old Testament

The ancient Psalms are filled with expressions of human emotions, some of which are great joy. Many personify the earth to imply that nature itself rejoices. So when we laugh, we are laughing along with the earth!

“God, who sits in Heaven, laughs!” — Psalm 2:4

“You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” — Psaml 30:11

“God has a smile on His face.” — Psalm 42:5

“The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves wiht joy; The meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.” — Psalm 65:12-13

“Let the shield exult and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” — Psalm 96:12

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises.” — Psalm 98:4

“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.” — Psalm 126:2

“He that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” — Proverbs 15:15

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

“I commend mirth.” — Ecclesiastes 8:15

God says, “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.” — Jeremiah 31:13

“Let your heart be merry.” — Judges 19:6

“You shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and hills before you shall burst into song, and the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” — Isaiah 55:12

New Testament

“All that man has to do is to take care of three things: good thought, good word, good deed.” — Swami Vivekananda

Notice that the verses about Christ and his coming speak emphatically of joy. This is why many of the Christmas carols have the word “joy” in them: Christ brings joy!

“The angel said to Mary: You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at the birth of your son.” — Luke 1:14

“The angels said to the shepherds: Do not be afraid, for see – I am bringing good news of great joy for all the people.” — Luke 2:10

When the wise men saw that the star had stopped over the place where the christ child lay, they were overwhelmed with joy.” — Matthew 2:10

“I have said these things to you,” Jesus said to his disciples, “so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” — John 15:11

“Although you have not seen Jesus, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.” — Peter 1:8

“But in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.” — Peter 4:13

Jesus said “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 18:3

Jesus said, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh!” — Luke 6:21