Note: In this last of a four-part series, Andrew Mills discusses the proper prayer posture.
Should we sit, stand or kneel when we pray?
A lot of people think that the proper way to pray is by kneeling, clasping your hands together and closing your eyes. The Bible does not require a certain posture for prayer but instead offers a variety of examples. You can adopt different positions when you pray to reflect what is going on in your heart.
Here are seven prayer postures that are found in the Bible (From “The Mighty Warrior” by Intercessors International):
Sitting| Demonstrated by David in 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, reflects a place of rest and peace.
Kneeling| Demonstrated by Solomon in 1 Kings 8:54, reflects submission and surrender
Bowing| Demonstrated by Moses in Exodus 34:8, reflects reverence and humility
Standing| Demonstrated by the Levites in Nehemiah 9:5, reflects honor, respect and neediness
With uplifted hands| Demonstrated by Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:12-13, reflects praise, surrender and openness
Walking| Demonstrated by Elisha in 2 Kings 4:35, reflects a warring posture or taking something to God
Prostrate| Demonstrated by Joshua in Joshua 7:6, reflects total humility, surrender and awe.
A few last concerns as you begin your prayer life.
This manual is in no way comprehensive enough to provide you everything that you need to know about how to pray. Most of what you learn will occur from trial and error, reading scripture and talking with other mature believers. That being said, I hope this manual served as a helpful starting place to a life of prayer.
Lastly, here are a few resources that have helped me as I assembled this manual. I highly recommend checking them out:
A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller
Power through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
The Practice of the Presence of God: the Best Rule of a Holy Life by Brother Lawrence
Learn how to best pray for other nations with the help of www.joshuaproject.net