What is the Correct Posture to Assume in Prayer?
Samuel Smith
23 Jan'19
5
LESSON 4
WHAT IS THE CORRECT POSTURE TO ASSUME IN PRAYER?
You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.In this edition, we continue with our series on Biblical Perspectives on Prayer and Fasting. The topic for this study is: What is the Correct Posture to Assume in Prayer? In Christendom and other religions of the world, prayer is one of the key ordinances of divine worship. There are several postures that are unique to particular forms of religions. However, when one enters Christendom, there seems to be several forms of acceptable postures of prayer. In this study, we will consider what the Word of God has to say in respect to posture in prayer. The lesson has been divided into four sub-sections as follows:
1) THE IMPORTANCE OF POSTURE IN PRAYER
Prayer is basically communion with God. The one who communes with God in prayer must bear in mind that he or she is not communing with another human but a Divine Being, even the Supreme Monarch of the Universe. Even though God desires that we approach Him in prayer as our Father (see2) TYPES OF PRAYER POSTURE IN SCRIPTURE
The Scripture records several examples of prayer posture that were utilised by God's people in communion with their Creator. Here are the various forms of prayer posture that we find in the Scriptures:A) PROSTRATING
9:25 THUS I FELL DOWN BEFORE THE LORD FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS, AS I FELL DOWN AT THE FIRST; BECAUSE THE LORD HAD SAID HE WOULD DESTROY YOU.
9:26 I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
9:27 Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
9:28 Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.
9:29 Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm."
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7:6 AND JOSHUA RENT HIS CLOTHES, AND FELL TO THE EARTH UPON HIS FACE BEFORE THE ARK OF THE LORD UNTIL THE EVENTIDE, HE AND THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL, AND PUT DUST UPON THEIR HEADS.
7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O LORD God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
7:8 O LORD, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!
7:9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?"
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14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
14:35 And he went forward a little, AND FELL ON THE GROUND, AND PRAYED that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
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7:60 AND HE KNEELED DOWN, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
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9:40 BUT PETER PUT THEM ALL FORTH, AND KNEELED DOWN, AND PRAYED; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."
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20:36 And when he had thus spoken, HE KNEELED DOWN, AND PRAYED WITH THEM ALL.
20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,"
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1:25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
1:26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I AM THE WOMAN THAT STOOD BY THEE HERE, PRAYING UNTO THE LORD.
1:27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
1:28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there."
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9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, AND STOOD AND CONFESSED THEIR SINS, AND THE INIQUITIES OF THEIR FATHERS.
9:3 AND THEY STOOD UP IN THEIR PLACE, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
9:4 THEN STOOD UP UPON THE STAIRS, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.
9:5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, STAND UP AND BLESS THE LORD YOUR GOD FOR EVER AND EVER: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee."
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18:10 TWO MEN WENT UP INTO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
18:11 THE PHARISEE STOOD AND PRAYED thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
18:13 AND THE PUBLICAN, STANDING AFAR OFF, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
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17:17 And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.
17:18 What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.
17:19 O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.
17:20 O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
17:22 For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God.
17:23 Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.
17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
17:25 FOR THOU, O MY GOD, HAST TOLD THY SERVANT THAT THOU WILT BUILD HIM AN HOUSE: THEREFORE THY SERVANT HATH FOUND IN HIS HEART TO PRAY BEFORE THEE.
17:26 And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 17:27 Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever."
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3) A REVIEW OF THE VARIOUS FORMS OF PRAYER POSTURE IN SCRIPTURE
From the various passages we have reviewed so far from Scripture, it is clear that God's people utilised various forms of posture to pray in biblical times. Prostrating was utilised by Moses, Joshua and Jesus Christ at very crucial moments of their lives as they sought the face of God (reviewKneeling to pray is one of the common forms of prayer posture that we find in the Bible. Patriarchs, prophets and apostles are presented in Scripture as communing with God on their knees (review
Another form of prayer posture that is common in Scripture is standing. Both in the Old and New Testaments we find several examples of God's people utilising this form of posture to commune with God (review
Another form of prayer posture that is recorded in Scripture is sitting. We read about this in relation to God's blessings upon king David. The Scripture records that after Nathan had declared various promises of blessings to David and his descendants to come, the king went to sit before the Lord in the temple to pray (review
The last form of prayer posture that we find in Scripture is lying down. Some of you may be surprised how this can be a form of prayer posture that is recorded in Scripture. But friends, that is exactly what we read from the Holy Bible: "When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches" (
From the scriptural passages we have gone through so far in this study, it is clear that postures of prayer such as kneeling, standing and sitting can be utilised both in our private and public prayer sessions. Even though the Scriptures invites us to come before God in prayer on bended knee (
4) STATEMENTS REFLECTING BIBLICAL PASSAGES: ELLEN G. WHITE'S COMMENTS ON FORMS OF PRAYER POSTURE IN SCRIPTURE
Contrary to the teaching that Ellen G. White endorsed only kneeling in prayer in both private and public places of worship, the Spirit of Prophecy publications actually endorses the various forms of prayer posture that we have noted in the Scriptures. Here are some illustrations of the various forms of prayer posture that Ellen G. White practiced and wrote about:A) KNEELING
i) "To bow down in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy... Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God." -- (2 Selected Messages, pp. 311-312)
ii) "To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in Babylon.... But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone—the Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. Refusing to do as the king had commanded, they suffered the penalty, and were cast into the burning fiery furnace. But Christ came in person and walked with them through the fire, and they received no harm." -- (Pr 207.2)
iii) Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." -- (Pr 209.3; Gospel Workers, p. 178.)
iv) "We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Pharisaism and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but OFTEN bow down on your knees before God, and worship Him." -- (Pr 208.3; Capital Emphasis Added)
v) "I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, "GET DOWN UPON YOUR KNEES." THIS IS THE PROPER POSITION ALWAYS...." -- (Pr 207.1; Capital Emphasis Added)SUGGESTED COMMENTARY
From the Ellen G. White quotes above (particularly the fifth one), some in God's church have taught that the brethren should always be in a position of bowing upon their knees while in public or private worship to God. But a careful examination of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy shows that this kind of teaching is a deviated form of what God's people are called to practice. In fact, Sister White who gave the open rebuke: "GET DOWN UPON YOUR KNEES." THIS IS THE PROPER POSITION ALWAYS...." -- (Pr 207.1; Capital Emphasis Added), also made the following recommendations to God's people during seasons of prayer at church worship services:
i) "From the light I have had upon the subject I have decided that God does not require us, as we assemble for His worship, to make these seasons tedious and wearisome by remaining bowed quite a length of time, listening to several long prayers. Those in feeble health cannot endure this taxation without extreme weariness and exhaustion. The body becomes weary by remaining bowed down so long; and what is worse still, the mind becomes so wearied by the continuous exercise of prayer that no spiritual refreshment is realized, and the meeting is to them worse than a loss. They have become wearied mentally and physically, and they have obtained no spiritual strength." -- (2T 577.2; Pr 202.5)
ii) "Meetings for conference and prayer should not be made tedious. If possible, all should be prompt to the hour appointed; and if there are dilatory ones, who are half an hour or even fifteen minutes behind the time, there should be no waiting. If there are but two present, they can claim the promise. The meeting should open at the appointed hour if possible, be there few or many present. Formality and cold stiffness should be laid aside, and all should be prompt to duty. Upon common occasions there should not be prayer of more than ten minutes’ duration. AFTER THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE OF POSITION, and the exercise of singing or exhortation has relieved the sameness, then, if any feel the burden of prayer, let them pray." -- (2T 577.3; Capital Emphasis Added)From these quotes from the Spirit of Prophecy, we learn that God's people are to observe a change of prayer position during seasons of prayer at church worship services. In fact, if Ellen White's open rebuke were taken strictly that the people of God are to always bow their knees in worship all the time, it will certainly stand as a clear contrast from the various examples of appropriate prayer that were said by God's people in worship while standing upon their feet or even sitting down (review
From the various quotes above from the Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy, it is clear that in as much as the posture of bowing on bended knee is to be viewed as a very reverent way of approaching God in prayer; and of which God's people must practice often in both public and private worship, it must not be viewed or regarded as the only acceptable posture of prayer during our private or corporate worship services. For even Sister White who made the statement "GET DOWN UPON YOUR KNEES." THIS IS THE PROPER POSITION ALWAYS...." -- (Pr 207.1; Capital Emphasis Added), was found in her own practice to embrace various forms of prayer posture in church worship services and other ministry areas of her life. Outlined below are several of such examples:
B) STANDING
i) Congregation Rises to Feet for Consecration Prayer
"I invited all who wanted to give themselves to God in a sacred covenant, and to serve Him with their whole hearts, to rise to their feet. The house was full, and nearly all rose. Quite a number not of our faith were present, and some of these arose. I presented them to the Lord in earnest prayer, and we know that we had the manifestation of the Spirit of God. We felt that a victory had indeed been gained." - (Manuscript 30a, 1896; Selected Messages 1:150; 3SM 268.1)ii) At a Workers Institute in Oakland, California
"Now we ask you to seek the Lord with all the heart. Will those who are determined to cut loose from every temptation of the enemy, and to seek for heaven above, signify such determination by rising to their feet." [Nearly all of the congregation present responded.] -- (3SM 268.5)iii) Ellen White and Audience Standing for Consecration Prayer
"Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education. Those who will, make it manifest by rising to your feet. [The congregation rose.] Here is the whole congregation. May God help you to keep your pledge. Let us pray." -- (3SM 269.3)C) SITTING
[Praying] "Heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor, weak, unworthy, and I ask Thee to impress the hearts of this people gathered here today. I have spoken to them Thy words, but, O Lord, Thou alone canst make the word effective, et cetera." - (The Review and Herald, April 8, 1909; Sermon at Oakland, California, February 8, 1909; 3SM 269.4)
i) Crowded Congregation in Europe Remained Seated
"I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). -- (Diary, February 20, 1887; Selected Messages 1:147; 3SM 267.3)
ii) In her private life, Ellen G. White even prayed while sitting in bed (see Review & Herald, December 13, 1906).D) PRAYER AT MEALTIME
From the book Selected Messages, Vol. 3, there is a footnote which indicates that they did not kneel at the White home when they gave thanks for the food. Here is the entire footnote:
"That Ellen White did not intend to teach that on every prayer occasion we must kneel is made clear both by her words and her example. To her there was no time or place where prayer was inap-propriate. Her family testified that in her home those at the dining table bowed their heads and not their knees. She was not known to kneel for the benediction at the close of services she attended. The earnest counsel on kneeling would seem to have its principal application in the worship services in the house of God and in family and private devotions at home. In public ministry there were times when she stood for prayer." -- Compilers. -- (Footnote, 3 Selected Messages, 270.)E) CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER
i) "In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for help. The Saviour has told us to pray without ceasing. The Christian cannot always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and desires can always be upward. Our self-confidence would vanish, did we talk less and pray more." -- (3 Bible Commentary, 1157/1:3; Pr 213.2)
ii) "The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to the secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath you." -- (Counsels on Health, 362:2.)
iii) "It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor." -- (The Ministry of Healing, 510, 511; 3SM 267.1)
iv) "We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be." -- (3 Selected Messages, 266:1; Pr 215.1)From the various quotes we have considered from the Spirit of Prophecy above, it is clear that even though Ellen G. White promoted kneeling as the most appropriate form of posture in prayer, she nevertheless utilised on some occasions other prayer postures such as standing and seating in her private life and public ministry. This point should help us to understand that kneeling is not the only prayer posture that Sister White endorsed to be used at all places while praying.
Exhortation: In as much as the posture of prayer that we utilise in approaching God is important, we must come to realise that the heart condition whereby we approach God in prayer is far more important. An illustration of this point can be gleaned from the following words of Jesus to the woman of Samaria:
4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
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Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.
Maranatha!
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