Lately, everywhere I turn I am presented with a message on prayer posture. So I thought I'd invite you to share in my conviction. :) There are many postures from which to choose when praying - standing, sitting, kneeling, lying face-down. There are also many things to do with your eyes. Close them, look down, look up. For me, it depends on the nature of the prayer how I present myself before the Almighty Throne.
I might sit with another brother or sister, holding hands or with my hand on their shoulder, head bowed, eyes closed for intercessory matters. I might kneel for burdensome matters that are heavy on my heart, bowed head and closed eyes. Sometimes the bowing needs to take place at an altar so you can leave the matter there symbolically. (There's just nothing like a sweet time at the altar, is there?) There are times when it's appropriate to stand, hands raised, with open eyes in praise and adoration, unashamed and expecting the Lord's presence.
Then, there are times when no prayer posture will do but to lie flat on the floor, face-down and REALLY do business with the Lord. Sometimes we simply cannot humble ourselves enough to make the particular request we wish to make. Or sometimes we need such a healing or cleansing from Jehovah that we must prostrate ourselves to avoid distraction and pride.
No matter your posture, prayer is key to a healthy relationship with the Father. All these postures represent a heart condition and all of them are needed. So often in my Faith Walk I have neglected to kneel or lie down out of laziness or pride. And in those times when I know my Father is leading me to take a specific position, yet I refuse, I also know I have missed the great blessing God was holding out for me. Did it change the effectiveness of my prayer? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I know in my heart I could have received more from the Lord should I have obeyed Him in such a simple thing as my prayer posture.
I love the Lord with all my heart. I want the absolute best He has to offer me. Oh, that I might not get in His way with my pride or neglect. I'm not suggesting we be legalistic and have a planned position for each type of prayer we speak. But I am imploring you to walk closely enough with the Lord to hear Him whisper to you "Darlin' you need to bow right here" or "Child, fall on your face about this one."
What about you, saint? Have you missed an opportunity to honor your Lord with your prayer posture? It's certainly something I've been mulling over this week. Be blessed, sweet one!
