Rockville Christian Church

1 day ago

April 9 - Postures of Prayer
If you are having trouble staying focused while you pray, there are other things you can do as well. Perhaps changing your position from time to time would help. Scripture and other cultures provide a number of prayer positions you might try. Each has special significance. Most of the following positions and their meanings come from the article “Body Language: Praying with Your Whole Self,” by David Trembley.

On your face. Praying flat on your face can suggest humility. Jesus did it in the garden on the night He was betrayed: “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed” (Matthew 26:39). Lying prostrate can be an excellent position because it shows a recognition of who we are—sinners—and who God is—holy and above us. It may not be a good position if you continue to fall asleep!

On your knees. This used to be the position everyone took when in a church prayer meeting. Today it has fallen on hard times as we prefer to be more comfortable sitting in our chairs. But it too shows humility and respect. People bow before kings and we are coming into the presence of the King of kings when we pray.

With your hands lifted. Exodus 17 tells the story of the Israelites’ battle with the Amalekites. When Moses lifted his hands, the tide shifted to the Israelites; when he dropped his arms, the Amalekites started winning. Praying with your hands raised can be a symbol of victory, of praise, or of wanting to receive.

On your back. Praying while lying flat on your back can suggest wonder and willingness. It is a position of receiving. Trembley suggests: “Try this experiment. Lie face down and attend to God’s presence. Speak and listen until you believe that the time of prayer is finished. Then roll over on your back and begin to pray again. Experience what happens to your prayers when you change positions.”

Pacing. A number of cultures pace about the room when they pray. If you are an active person, this posture might be best because it allows for an intensity in your praying.

Creative Father, You have made me to seek You! Allow me to stretch my life of prayer as the Spirit leads! I ask that as I learn how to pray using different body postures, that You will also teach me how to posture my heart before You in ways I’ve never experienced before. Make me willing to follow Your direction and Your lead as I pray. Draw me closer through the gentle urging of Your sweet Holy Spirit.

--Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayerleader.com. ...