Falling on your knees
How your posture can affect your prayers
Postures, styles, and the words we use are all different parts of what might come to mind when we talk about prayer.
But, if we are being honest, that has nothing to do with how we pray to or for God.
That doesn’t however, make it any less important or powerful (or restricting, at least in our own minds).
I have vivid memories of my maternal grandparents on their knees in prayer. In Pray, I mention this specifically because it was so formative for me.
And I saw my paternal grandparents on their knees, fervently praying at the altar most Sundays I was with them.
Yet, Jesus doesn’t tell us to pray kneeling, standing, sitting, etc. In fact, the only thing Jesus tells us to do is to not be showy about our prayers.
And, if kneeling is the way you connect the most with Our Father, and you aren’t doing it for show, then kneel.
Your stance can have an effect on your prayer life. But God doesn’t require you to spin around, clap your hands three times, do seven jumping jacks, do a push up, and then get on your knees to pray.
Instead, Jesus tell us to pray honestly. And to pray earnestly.
But, even then, there have been times when I needed to kneel. Not because I felt like I had to in order for God to hear my prayers…but times when I needed to because I needed to put myself in an uncomfortable position physically…so that I was prepared to interact with the Spirit spiritually, emotionally, mentally.
Kneel or don’t. But pray. And pray often, honest, and earnestly.
My prayer for today
Our Father, let us throw off the shackles of what we think we must do in order to talk and pray with you. Spirit, guide me to pray honestly. Jesus, help me to pray as if I really mean it. Father, help me to know that it’s okay to kneel in your presence and it’s okay to slump into a chair and wail. Amen.
Remember
Getting on your knees to pray may put you in a better position to pray honestly and earnestly. But don’t feel like you have to. Make some space today to get on your knees, prop up against a chair or wall or table.