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Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 5:44:59 PM
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MyRedeemerLives39
Posts: 35
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The Lord has been bringing this issue to mind the past week or two. I have heard from the pulpit that in biblical times, people raised their hands in prayer, whereas we now bow out of reverence. And what has happened to kneeling? I attended my old church yesterday and he encouraged people to come and to kneel in prayer, something done only occasionally. For me, I don't kneel unless it's in private, so as to not be seen by others. Most of my prayer is silent and done throughout the day as I see a need. I'm not saying there's a right way or a wrong way, it just seems interesting that He has brought this to my attention lately, so I'm seeking Him to see what it is He wants me to do. But I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone here thought about various postures during prayer. Do you kneel? raise your hands? lay face down? pray aloud (maybe with a spouse)?
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 6:25:18 PM
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Liveloved
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MyRedeemerLives39
The Lord has been bringing this issue to mind the past week or two. I have heard from the pulpit that in biblical times, people raised their hands in prayer, whereas we now bow out of reverence. And what has happened to kneeling? I attended my old church yesterday and he encouraged people to come and to kneel in prayer, something done only occasionally. For me, I don't kneel unless it's in private, so as to not be seen by others. Most of my prayer is silent and done throughout the day as I see a need. I'm not saying there's a right way or a wrong way, it just seems interesting that He has brought this to my attention lately, so I'm seeking Him to see what it is He wants me to do. But I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone here thought about various postures during prayer. Do you kneel? raise your hands? lay face down? pray aloud (maybe with a spouse)?
I pray in any and every position. Since Paul told us to pray without ceasing, I think position becomes any and every thing we do.
So I pray lying in bed. I pray standing under the shower. I pray at the kitchen sink. I pray sitting in my chair. I pray driving my car.
Rarely do I kneel. I had knee surgery this summer and that is an especially painful position for me right now.
I lift my hands in praise and worship. Sometimes they are lifted in prayer.
Rarely on my face. Sometimes aloud.
But praying always.
He's always listening.
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 6:33:11 PM
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LCannon
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From: Lebanon, OR
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While posture doesn't(shouldn't)enhance the effectiveness of our praying many postures are less about verge(or lack of humility, George Washington felt kneeling was a sign of subservience even to the Almighty while Martin Luther, an equally strong personality had no compulsion to be on the floor, face down)but rather standing, raised hands/face, kneeling, prone, flat usually is a natural response to a higher authority. Probably it's more convention and comfort(whatever one's comfortable with)vs. embarrassment and spectacle that sets our limits.
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 7:04:14 PM
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Lufia
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From: Canada, quebec province
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8 months ago, when i gave myself to the Lord i felt strongly that i had to kneel to ask for forgiveness! i never did it in my life but i did that day and since then i do it once a day.
I also pray everywhere: at work, in car, in bed, in kayak, in front of tv, while walking, etc. I must admit, i like to pray 
_____________________________
Give your life to Jesus and enjoy the ride!
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 8:14:45 PM
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sunshine4God
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From: Sterling Ct.
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I pray all different ways.At home mostly I pray as I am lying in bed befor bed.I also pray in the shower,pray before eating lunch and dinner,and pray throughout the day.At church however though when God speaks to me I go up to the altar to pray.A long time ago God convicted me about just staying in my seat praying and told me I need to step out in faith,and bow before him so now I always do.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 8:30:03 PM
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MyRedeemerLives39
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Thank you for all of your responses! It looks like we all pray throughout the day and most of us don't place too much emphasis on posture. It's weird, but I still want to kneel, though I don't feel any specific need or calling to do so.
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 8:32:13 PM
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Walker311
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We all are influenced by our senses. I visited a church as a young man and when the pastor asked everyone to turn their bibles to a certain scripture, the sound of pages turning was overwhelming and had a profound affect on me.
I have witnessed folks laying their hands on those in prayer and it had a profound affect on me. I have seen people singing praises to God with their hands in the air and it had a profound affect on me. I have seen people laying on the floor weeping and wailing in prayer and it touched me tremendously.
My mom and dad were God fearing folks but rarely held my hand and prayed for me. It had a profound affect on me. My son will not go to sleep at night until I place my hands on him and pray for him. This has had a profound affect on me.
I take a break at work and walk around the workplace lake and pray. This helps me more than I can say.
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 8:35:09 PM
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Walker311
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quote:
It's weird, but I still want to kneel, though I don't feel any specific need or calling to do so.
Do it anyway and it will change you.
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 10:47:05 PM
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Dancre
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Interesting post. I would say God is more concerned about our humbled heart rather than our body posture. But it seems God is trying to show you that kneeling is a form of humbling one's self before God. I know I don't kneel that much, my knees can't take it. So I like to pray sitting or standing, sometime lying in bed or when driving my car. Sometimes just sitting in my favey rocking chair and meeting up with Himj. And if God wants you to kneel, then kneel, baby, kneel!! He may want to impart stuff to you. I say do it. :) And let us know what happens. :)
quote:
ORIGINAL: MyRedeemerLives39
The Lord has been bringing this issue to mind the past week or two. I have heard from the pulpit that in biblical times, people raised their hands in prayer, whereas we now bow out of reverence. And what has happened to kneeling? I attended my old church yesterday and he encouraged people to come and to kneel in prayer, something done only occasionally. For me, I don't kneel unless it's in private, so as to not be seen by others. Most of my prayer is silent and done throughout the day as I see a need. I'm not saying there's a right way or a wrong way, it just seems interesting that He has brought this to my attention lately, so I'm seeking Him to see what it is He wants me to do. But I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone here thought about various postures during prayer. Do you kneel? raise your hands? lay face down? pray aloud (maybe with a spouse)?
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/3/2008 11:17:52 PM
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misty35
Posts: 614
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From: Arkansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MyRedeemerLives39
The Lord has been bringing this issue to mind the past week or two. I have heard from the pulpit that in biblical times, people raised their hands in prayer, whereas we now bow out of reverence. And what has happened to kneeling? I attended my old church yesterday and he encouraged people to come and to kneel in prayer, something done only occasionally. For me, I don't kneel unless it's in private, so as to not be seen by others. Most of my prayer is silent and done throughout the day as I see a need. I'm not saying there's a right way or a wrong way, it just seems interesting that He has brought this to my attention lately, so I'm seeking Him to see what it is He wants me to do. But I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone here thought about various postures during prayer. Do you kneel? raise your hands? lay face down? pray aloud (maybe with a spouse)?
Well as for me, I wake up talking to Him. From the time my feet hit the floor, to making coffee, to getting ready for work and driving to work. I keep an open communication with Him. And yes there are times that I do kneel.
_____________________________
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 1:45:27 AM
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HighFlight
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I don't feel I have to kneel in order for God to hear my prayers but I would if I could. I'm in need of knee replacement surgery so it's sitting, standing or laying in bed.
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 2:48:09 AM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 827
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From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
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quote:
It looks like we all pray throughout the day and most of us don't place too much emphasis on posture.
You have raised an interesting question. Worship, by definition, if I recall correctly something a Hebrew scholar somewhere pointed out, is a matter of physical posture. Since we are physical creatures, our bodies, and what we do with them, do matter. Muslims incorporate a set of postures into their formal prayers, and those I've talked to consider this deeply meaningful.
We Americans tend to be too informal and casual for our own good. I usually read the Bible while seated comfortably, then pray through my "Calvinist rosary" -- a set of 3 by 5 cards, each with a word or short phrase indicating something of concern to hold before God.
Like I said, you raised an excellent question, one that I need to think about. What would please God?
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Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 3:39:43 AM
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Little_1
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There are times when it is definitely right to kneel in prayer - whether public or private. I don't see any harm in kneeling in church. I believe this could be a wonderful testimony to God because humility and reverence is something which our churches are sadly lacking (so long as our hearts are correct in doing so and not puffed up in Pharisee "look at me" pride).
I believe the Lord is reviving the hearts of His children all over the world at present and this is a subject that He seems to be challenging individuals with. Brings to mind the following text:
2 Chronicles 7:14
"If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 9:02:45 AM
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rcjames
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Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
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All position and I pray out loud.
In our Church during prayer times some stand, some raise thier hands, some lay prostrate, some kneel, some sit, and nearly everyone prays out loud.
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 10:02:08 AM
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mvic
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It is very difficult to kneel in a crowded train and pray! And it is equally difficult to pray and drive at the same time as it can affect your concentration. Imagine telling the police officer that you went through a red light because you were praying.
I pray whenever I can throughout the day. Sometimes I pray silently for the person telling me about their health problems, their financial worries or other troubles. I lsiten to them and pray silently without their knowledge.
I pray while watching TV and see a politician making a fool of himself, or not telling the truth, or not answering the question asked.
I'm praying for you reading this right now.
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 3:56:56 PM
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rcjames
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: misty35
Im so glad that you have mentioned this, is it important to pray out loud?
I am sure that there will be some opposing opinions, but I am hard pressed to find in Scripture where someone 'Thought" a prayer.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 4:24:22 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 1343
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I think prayers continually... as much as possible. I can't continually do them out loud.
Once, I thought God was hard of hearing so I yelled at Him. He didn't yell the answer back.
It is important to have communion with God in every way imaginable and this includes silent thought processes.
Besides, prayers begin with thought. Also, if someone believe prayer must be outloud, what if a person for whatever reason, cannot speak?
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 9:58:21 PM
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prolifepj
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From: just over yonder
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I pray all kinds of ways. When I talk to people on the phone - I tend to pace.... Sometimes I do the same in prayer. In my room I can walk and walk and walk. Other times I'm on my face and others while sitting quietly on my bedroom couch, or if all the housemates are gone - I wander through the whole house. I usually pray out loud and often I sing ...in prayer. Many times I raise my hands to Him - a lot depends on the nature of the prayer I suppose. I think prayers too like Walker311 does-
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Sho nuff honey chile - Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to!
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/4/2008 10:04:56 PM
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Zack_NorcalRiders
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i usually talk to god most when im riding my dirtbike , especially when im about to hit a jump or go across that creek that i know nothing about . ive never really kneeled or raised my hands . maybe i outa try it though?
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/9/2008 1:21:02 AM
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ukfan
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Joined: 12/31/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: misty35
Im so glad that you have mentioned this, is it important to pray out loud?
I am sure that there will be some opposing opinions, but I am hard pressed to find in Scripture where someone 'Thought" a prayer.
Thanks
RC
There are silent prayers in Scripture, although some people might think your drunk 
Gen 24:45 "Before I finished praying in my heart...
1Sa 1:12-17 As she continued praying to the Lord, Eli was watching her mouth.
Now Hannah was speaking from her heart. Although her lips were moving, her voice was inaudible. Eli therefore thought she was drunk.
So he said to her, "How often do you intend to get drunk? Put away your wine!"
But Hannah replied, "That's not the way it is, my lord! I am under a great deal of stress. I have drunk neither wine nor beer. Rather, I have poured out my soul to the Lord.
Don't consider your servant a wicked woman, for until now I have spoken from my deep pain and anguish."
Eli replied, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request that you have asked of him."
_____________________________
"There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church...." -ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN
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RE: Prayer Posture - 11/9/2008 7:37:10 AM
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MyRedeemerLives39
Posts: 35
Joined: 10/16/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: misty35
Im so glad that you have mentioned this, is it important to pray out loud?
I am sure that there will be some opposing opinions, but I am hard pressed to find in Scripture where someone 'Thought" a prayer.
Thanks
RC
Matthew 6:6 "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 12:25 "Jesus knew their thoughts."
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."
If one is going to pray in secret, it will likely be silent. Because Jesus knows our thoughts, it only follows that our prayers can be in thoughts as well. My mind easily wanders, so for me, praying with my mind is the most effective way to keep myself focused on Him. My most heart-felt prayers are prayers that are never spoken.
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