KNEELING IN PRAYER

"I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? 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. . .

"To bow down in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. . . Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God." -2 Selected Messages? 311-312

The title is what this study is all about: Kneeling is the only proper way to pray, when you are worshiping God. You may think that is not true. But the facts, from God's Word, are clear and to the point.

Indeed, this is one of the most forgotten truths today, yet one of the most consistently shown in Scripture.

Let us be serious now: Do you really want to worship God? Are you really in earnest about speaking with Him, doing His will, and going to heaven?

Someone will say, "Ah, this is legalism!" Men may ridicule it as they wish, but, frankly, do you really want to please God and worship Him the way He told you to? Or do you want to do it your own way?

If you are more intent on pleasing God than pleasing men, then you will want to read this study. The facts are simple, direct, and to the point.

"0 come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."-Psalm 95:6.

In spite of the lax "do whatever you want" attitude of Western civilization, throughout the world pagans worship their gods, either by kneeling or falling on their faces. In Bible times, the people of God did likewise. They were worshiping their Creator.

We are told that we are always to kneel in prayer; we are also told that we do not need to always kneel in prayer. We are also given examples of both positions in prayer. Which is correct? How do we harmonize the two concepts?

The solution is quite simple, and it agrees with every statement in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy: When you are in an act of public, group, family, or private worship of your Creator, you are to descend to your knees when you pray to Him-unless it is not possible to do so or you are physically incapable of it.

But, when you are not worshiping God, you do not need to kneel when you pray. Many times throughout the day it is not practical or feasible to kneel when sending up prayers of thanks or requests for help.

That is a summary of the principle. Now let us examine the statements-and see how they harmoniously agree with it:

-1 WHEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNEEL IN PRAYER

First, let us look at the exceptions. There are times when you do not need to kneel in prayer. You will notice that, in each such instance, God is not being directly worshiped: (1) When we pray throughout the day as we go about our work. (2) At mealtime, before we eat. (3) During a consecration call at the close of a meeting. (4) As we lay in bed sick or about to drift off to sleep. Other practical examples could be cited.

1 - AS YOU PRAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY

In God's Word, we are repeatedly urged to pray frequently, even unceasingly. But we need not be on our knees all day long. God never called us to monasticism. We have a work to do for Him and others in the home and in the community.

"God in His providence does not permit us to know the end from the beginning; but He gives us the light of His Word to guide us as we pass along, and bids us to keep our minds stayed upon Jesus. Wherever we are, whatever our employment, our hearts are to be uplifted to God in prayer. This is being instant in prayer. We need not wait until we can bow upon our knees, before we pray. On one occasion, when Nehemiah came in before the king, the king asked why he looked so sad, and what request he had to make. But Nehemiah dared not answer at once. Important interests were at stake.

The fate of a nation hung upon the impression that should then be made upon the monarch's mind; and Nehemiah darted up a prayer to the God of heaven, before he dared to answer the king. The result was that he obtained all that he asked or even desired."-3 Bible Commentary, 1136/ 1:52:0.

"In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for help. The Saviour has told us to pray without ceasing. The Christian cannot always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and desires can always be upward. Our self-confidence would vanish, did we talk less and pray more."-3 Bible Commentary, 1157/1:3.

"The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to the secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath you."-Counsels on Health, 362:2.

"We cannot always be on our knees in prayer, but the way to the mercy seat is always open. While engaged in active labor, we may ask for help; and we are promised by One who will not deceive us, 'Ye shall receive.' The Christian can and will find time to pray."-Counsels on Health, 423:1.

"The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is, departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon you knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer."-Ministry of Healing, 510:1-511:0.

"Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. "-Steps to Christ, 98:3-99:0.

All your good purposes and good intentions will not enable you to withstand the test of temptation. You must be men of prayer. Your petitions must be not faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not necessary to be alone, or to bow upon your knees, to pray; but in the midst of your labor your souls may be often uplifted to God, taking hold upon His strength; then you will be men of high and holy purpose, of noble integrity, who will not for any consideration be swayed from truth, right, and justice."-4 Testimonies, 542:3-543:0.

"We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart's desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard."-2 Selected Messages, 316:3.

"We may constantly seek the joy of His presence. We need not be all the time upon our knees in prayer, but we may be constantly asking for His grace, even when we are walking on the streets, or when we are engaged in our ordinary daily duties. We may constantly keep the mind ascending to Christ, and He will freely impart to us of His grace."-Our High Calling, 148:2.

"Man cannot bow upon his knees in the streets and in the market place to offer up his prayers to God, but never forget, wherever you may be, that there is a God upon whom you may call for wisdom. "-This Day with God, 232: 1.

"We must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be."-3 Selected Messages, 266: 1.

2 - CONCLUDING A CALL TO CONSECRATION

In the text of Amazing Grace, p. 91, we are told this: "Both in public and in private worship, it is our duty to bow upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him." The footnote at the bottom of the page says this: "There are instances where Ellen White stood at the desk while offering prayers of consecration during church services" [emphasis theirs].

There is no contradiction between the statement and the footnote. The "instances" referred to are prayers concluding consecration calls (see below). There are no instances in which Ellen White (or God's people in Bible times) practiced or approved of standing or sitting prayers (for those physically fit, of course) during worship.

STANDS DURING CONSECRATION, THEN KNEELS FOR PRAYER-"It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor."-3 Selected Messages. 267:2.

At the close of my discourse. I felt impressed by the Spirit of God to extend an invitation for all those to come forward who desired to give themselves fully to the Lord. Those who felt the need of the prayers of the servants of God were invited to make it manifest. About thirty came forward. .

At first I had hesitated, wondering if it were best to do so when my son and I were the only ones whom I could see who would give us any help on that occasion. But as though someone had spoken to me, the thought passed through my mind. 'Cannot you trust in the Lord?' I said, 'I will, Lord.' Although my son was much surprised that I should make such a call on this occasion, he was equal to the emergency. I never heard him speak with greater power or deeper feeling than at that time . .

"We knelt in prayer. My son took the lead and the Lord surely indicted his petition; for he seemed to pray as though in the presence of God. "-3 Selected Messages, 268, 2-4.

COMES FORWARD FOR CONSECRATION, THEN (BECAUSE CROWDED) SEATED FOR PRAYER-"I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (John I :9),"-3 Selected Messages, 267:3-268:0.

AUDITORIUM FULL, SO ASKS CONGREGATION TO RISE FOR DEDICATION, THEN PRAYS WHILE STANDING-"I invited all who wanted to give themselves to God in a sacred covenant, and to serve Him with their whole hearts, to rise to their feet. The house was full, and nearly all rose. Quite a number, not of our faith were present, and some of these arose. I presented them to the Lord in earnest prayer, and we know that we had the manifestation of the Spirit of God. We felt that a victory had indeed been gained,"-3 Selected Messages, 268: 1.

RISES FOR DEDICATION, THEN PRAYS WHILE STANDING-"Now we ask you to seek all the heart. Will those who are determined to cut loose from every temptation of the enemy, and to seek for heaven above, signify such determination by rising to their feet? [Nearly all of the congregation present responded.]

"We desire that every one of you shall be saved. We desire that for you the gates of the city of God shall swing back on their glittering hinges, and that you, with all the nations who have kept the truth, may enter in. There we shall give praise and thanksgiving and glory to Christ and to the heavenly Father evermore, even forever and ever. May God help us to be faithful in His service during the conflict, and overcome at last, and win the crown of life eternal.

"[Praying] My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy. and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give this people the grace that perfects Christian Character,"-3 Selected Messages, 268:5-369:2.

"Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education. Those who will, make it manifest by rising to your feet. [The congregation rose.] Here is the whole congregation. May God help you to keep your pledge. Let us pray.

"[Praying] Heavenly Father. I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor, weak. unworthy, and I ask Thee to impress the hearts of this people gathered here to-day. I have spoken to them Thy words, but. 0 Lord, Thou alone canst make the work effective,"-3 Selected Messages, 269:3-4.

"May the Lord help you to take hold of this work as you have never yet taken hold of it. Will you do this? Will you here rise to your feet and testify that you will make God your trust and your helper? [Congregation rises.]"-3 Selected Messages, 269:5270:1.

The principle is simple enough: When we come to God, pleading for forgiveness and acceptance He meets us where we are. Then, having entered His kingdom as His subjects, we then come, at times of worship-and, kneeling, meet Him where He is: the great King and ruler of the universe!

3 - PRAYER AT MEALTIME

At the end of the above 3 Selected Messages chapter, there is a footnote which indicates that they did not kneel at the White home when they gave thanks for the food. Here is the entire footnote:

"That Ellen White did not intend to teach that on every prayer occasion we must kneel is made clear both by her words and her example. To her there was no time or place where prayer was inappropriate. Her family testified that in her home those at the dining table bowed their heads and not their knees. She was not known to kneel for the benediction at the close of services she attended. The earnest counsel on kneeling would seem to have its principal application in the worship services in the house of God and in family and private devotions at home. In public ministry there were times when she stood for prayer. -Compilers. "-Footnote, 3 Selected Messages, 270.

The "benediction" prayers and "times when she stood for prayer" "in public ministry" were cited in that footnoted chapter (3 Selected Messages, 266-270). In this section of the study, we have quoted them. In each instance, a call to consecration was given; they were not worship prayers.

We have been told that a seminary student obtained permission to research in the E.G. White vault, to locate every instance in which Ellen White stood for prayer in the pulpit. Later, his rather small compilation of instances was included as chapter 30 (pp. 266-270) of 3 Selected Messages. You have just read what he discovered. It consistently refers to a prayer of consecration following an appeal, when the worship service has concluded.

-2- THE PROPER POSITION DURING A WORSHIP PRAYER

Whenever we are worshiping God, whether it be in church, in groups, with our family, or alone, -we are to kneel when we pray. This is not my counsel to you; this is God's directive to you.

There will, of course, be exceptions: Perhaps you are having family worship as you are driving in the car, Perhaps you are ill and in bed or physically unable to kneel. Many other situations could be cited in which you are worshiping God alone or with your family.

The following are clear and unequivocal: "Both in public and private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, 'kneeled down, and prayed' (Luke 22:41). Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, 'kneeled down, and prayed' (Acts 9:40), Paul declared, 'I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 3:14), In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt (see Ezra 9:5). Daniel 'kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God' (Daniel 6: 10),

"True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed, The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there: and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened, 'Holy and reverend is His name,' (Psalm 111:9) the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!

"Well would it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be regarded. 'Put off thy shoes from off thy feet,' He commanded Moses at the burning bush, 'for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground' (Exodus 3:5). Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed, 'The Lord is in this place; and I knew it not, This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven' (Genesis 28: 16,17).

The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him' (Habakkuk 2:20),"-Gospel Workers.178-179.

"I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? 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.

" 'They stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 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' (Acts 7:59-60),

" 'When we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed' (Acts 21:5).

" 'At the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle. I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said, a my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens' (Ezra 9:5-6).

" '0 come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker' (Psalm 95:6).

" 'For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 3:14). And the whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn,

"To bow down in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy, This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in Babylon. But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone the Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. Refusing to do as the king had commanded, they suffered the penalty, and were cast into the burning fiery furnace. But Christ came in person and walked with them through the fire, and they received no harm.

"Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God.

At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon stood facing the altar. In the court of the Temple was a brazen scaffold or platform, and after ascending this, he stood and lifted up his hands to heaven, and blessed the immense congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood. .

" 'For Solomon had made a brazen 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' (2 Chronicles 6: 13).

"The lengthy prayer which he then offered was appropriate for the occasion. It was inspired of God, breathing the sentiments of the loftiest piety blended with the deepest humility.

"I present these proof texts with the inquiry, 'Where did Brother H obtain his education?'-At Battle Creek. Is it possible that with all the light that God has given to His people on the subject of reverence, that ministers, principals, and teachers in our schools, by precept and example, teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did the Pharisees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-sufficiency and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous?

" And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess' (Luke 18:9-12). Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was not in a position of humility before God; but standing in his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. 'The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself' (Luke 18: 11); and his prayer reached no higher than himself.

" And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalteth'(Luke 18:13-14).

"We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Pharisaism and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but often bow down on your knees before God, and worship Him.

And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your knees before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the Word closely for examples and direction in this respect? Whom can we trust as teachers in our schools in America and foreign countries? After years of study shall students return to their own country with perverted ideas of the respect and honor and reverence that should be given to God, and feel under no obligation to honor the men of gray hairs, the men of experience, the chosen servants of God who have be connected with the work of God through almost all the years of their life? I advise all who attend the schools of America or in any other place, do not catch the spirit of irreverence. Be sure you understand for yourself what kind of education you need, that you may educate others to obtain a fitness of character that will stand the test that is soon to be brought upon all who live upon the earth. Keep company with the soundest Christians. Choose not the pretentious instructors or pupils, but those who show the deepest piety, those who have a spirit of intelligence in the things of God.

"We are living in perilous times. Seventh-day Adventists are professedly the commandment-keeping people of God; but they are losing their devotional spirit. This spirit of reverence for God teaches men how to approach their Maker -with sacredness and awe through faith, not in themselves, but in a Mediator. Thus man is kept fast, under whatever circumstances he is placed. Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. And as he receives daily mercies at the hand of God, he is ever to cherish gratitude in his heart, and give expression to it in the words of thanksgiving and praise for these unmerited favors. Angels have been guarding his pathway through all his life, and many of the snares he has been delivered from he has not seen. And for this guardianship and watchcare by eyes that never slumber and never sleep, he is to recognize in every prayer the service of God for him.

All should lean upon God in their helplessness and daily necessity. They should keep humble, watchful and prayerful. Praise and thanksgiving should flow forth in gratitude and sincere love for God.

"In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation should they praise the Most High God. All who have a sense of their vital connection with God should stand before the Lord as witnesses for Him, giving expression of the love, the mercies, and the goodness of God. Let the words be sincere, simple, earnest, intelligent, the heart burning with the love of God, the lips sanctified to His glory not only to make known the mercies of God in the assembly of the saints but to be His witnesses in every place. The inhabitants of the earth are to know that He is God, the only true and living God.

"There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to come to God in reverence and godly fear with devotional love. There is a growing lack of reverence for our Maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and majesty. But God is speaking to us in these last days. We hear His voice in the storm, in the rolling thunder. We hear of the calamities He permits in the earthquakes, the breaking forth of the waters, and the destructive elements sweeping all before them. We hear of ships going down in the tempestuous ocean. God speaks to families who have refused to recognize Him, sometimes in the whirlwind and storm, sometimes face to face as He talked with Moses. Again He whispers His love to the little trusting child and to the gray-haired sire in his dotage. And earthly wisdom has a wisdom as it beholds the unseen.

"When the still small voice which succeeds the whirlwind and the tempest that moves the rocks out of position, is heard, let all cover their face, for God is very near. Let them hide them-selves in Jesus Christ; for He is their hiding place. The cleft in the rock is hidden with His own pierced hand while the humble seeker waits in bowed attitude to hear what saith the Lord unto His servants. "-2 Selected Messages, 311:1-316:1.

"When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into the pulpit, and earnestly ask help of God. What an impression this will make! There will be solemnity and awe upon the people. Their minister is communing with God; he is committing himself to God before he dares to stand before the people. Solemnity rests upon all, and angels of God are brought very near. Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him that God may grace the meeting with His presence and give power to His truth proclaimed from human lips.

When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the presence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent devotion. The prayers of faithful worshipers will be heard, and the ministry of the word will prove effectual. The lifeless attitude of the worshipers in the house of God is one great reason why the ministry is not more productive of good. The melody of song, poured forth from many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is one of God's instrumentalities in the work of saving souls. All the service should be conducted with solemnity and awe, as if in the visible presence of the Master of assemblies."-5 Testimonies, 492:3-493:0.

"Be waiting, watching for every opportunity to present the truth, familiar with the prophecies, familiar with the lessons of Christ. But do not trust in the well-prepared arguments. Arguments alone is not enough. God must be sought on your knees; you must go forth to meet the people through the power and influence of His Spirit. "-2 Bible Commentary, 1004/1:0.

"The Lord has given you talents to use, and in using these talents as He intended they should be used, you will have increased aptitude and wisdom and clear spiritual eyesight to understand His work. Your mind and eyes must watch for His appearing, your ears open to hear the faintest whisperings of His voice. Your knees He has made; use them in kneeling in prayer. "-That I May Know Him, 328: 1.

"In these perilous times, those who profess to be God's commandment-keeping people should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how to approach their Maker-with humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. Let man come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he is to testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to His Creator."-Amazing Grace, 21:2.

-3- OTHER EXAMPLES OF KNEELING IN PRAYER

Many instances could be cited when God's people worshiped God together or alone-and knelt to pray. Here are some of them:

"It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin, which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. "-Patriarchs and Prophets, 196:3-197:0.

"And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship."-Acts of the Apostles, 396: 1.

"The apostle's heart was touched with sympathy as he beheld their sorrow. Then, directing that the weeping friends be sent from the room, he kneeled down and prayed fervently to God to restore Dorcas to life and health."-Acts oj the Apostles, 132:1.

-4- THE PROPER POSITION DURING PERSONAL WORSHIP PRAYER

We are told that, whenever possible, our knees like Daniels-are to bow in personal worship to God. See the later section, "Frequency of Worship Prayer" for more on this.

"Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. "-2 Selected Messages, 312:7 [Gospel Workers, 178:2 almost identical].

"This spirit of reverence for God teaches men how to approach their Maker-with sacredness and

awe through faith, not in themselves, but in a Mediator. Thus man is kept fast, under whatever circumstances he is placed. Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy."-2 Selected Messages, 315:0.

CONTINUE- PART 2-