KNEELING IN PRAYER

Standing in prayer before the congregation is the sign of a Roman Pagan who mocks the Lord. Both Scripture and SOP declares we must be on our knees when seeking the Lord in prayer.

Yes, it’s understood we can pray as we walk down a lane in the woods, driving in our cars, or even sitting in school before taking a test; but when we stand as pastors or preachers who are called to lead by example, and better yet, when it is Sabbath day wherein we are delivering a sermon before the congregation, we MUST be on our knees so as to declare our faith, honor, love and worship unto our God so that even a babe in Christ can see how worthy He is to receive such respect!

Biblical fact is:

Solomon knelt in prayer
2 Chronicles 6:13, "For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,"

Daniel knelt in prayer
Daniel 6:10, "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."

Many knelt before Jesus
Mark 10:17, "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

Jesus kneels in prayer
Luke 22:41, "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,"

Stephen knelt in prayer
Acts 7:60, "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

Peter knelt in prayer
Acts 9:40, "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

Paul knelt in prayer
Acts 20:36, "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."

Yet it is a rare thing to see any ministers, and this includes SDA ministers kneeling in prayer? One of many SOP references on this is…

"One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is the proper position always." -Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 1, Page 119

Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:26, "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels."

Sometimes it's just that easy to point out the "grievous wolves" that stand as "leaders" before the flock.

Raising holy hands and eyes to Heaven:

Another question has arisen when some new to the faith have witnessed how the people of God in the SDR movement not only pray on their knees when gathered, they also raise their hands and eyes to Heaven. Is this Biblical?

Solomon raised his hands to Heaven in prayer:
1 Kings 8:54, "And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven."

David raised his hands to Heaven  in prayer:
Psalms 28:2, "Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle."

Paul instructed Timothy to raise his hands to Heaven in prayer:
1 Timothy 2:8, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."

The people of God looked up to Heaven in prayer:
Psalms 123:1, "A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens."

Jesus looked up to Heaven in prayer:
Mark 6:41, "And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all."

Jesus looked up to Heaven when He prayed for Lazarus:
John 11:41, "Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me."

Jesus looked up to Heaven when He prayed for all of us:
John 17:1, "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"