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The Power of Kneeling in Prayer – Viral Believer
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The Power of Kneeling in Prayer

Introduction

Prayer is an essential part of the Christian faith, as it is through prayer that we communicate with God. As Christians, we believe that prayer has the power to transform lives, heal the sick, and bring us closer to God.

While there are many different postures that we can use when we pray, one of the most powerful and meaningful postures is kneeling. Kneeling in prayer is a physical expression of humility, submission, and reverence, and it can help us to connect with God in a deeper way.

In this blog post, we will explore the power of kneeling in prayer, and examine how this posture can help us to draw closer to God.

The Biblical Basis for Kneeling in Prayer

The Bible is full of references to kneeling in prayer, and many of the great figures in the Bible knelt before God when they prayed. For example, when King Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord, he knelt down before the people and prayed to God (2 Chronicles 6:13).

Similarly, when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he fell to his knees and prayed to his Father in heaven (Luke 22:41). These examples demonstrate that kneeling is a biblical posture for prayer, and that it is a meaningful way to show our reverence and submission to God.

In the book of Daniel, we find another example of kneeling in prayer. When Daniel learned that King Darius had signed a decree forbidding anyone from praying to anyone other than the king for 30 days, he continued to pray to God three times a day, as was his custom.

When the king discovered this, he had Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. However, God protected Daniel, and he emerged unscathed. This story demonstrates the power of kneeling in prayer, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

The Physical and Spiritual Benefits of Kneeling in Prayer

Kneeling in prayer can be a powerful physical and spiritual experience. Physically, kneeling can help us to focus our minds and hearts on God, as it requires us to bow our heads and close our eyes. This physical posture can help us to shut out distractions and focus solely on our relationship with God.

Spiritually, kneeling in prayer can help us to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission. When we kneel before God, we are acknowledging that He is our Lord and Master, and that we are His servants. This posture can help us to remember our place in the world, and to submit ourselves to God’s will.

Kneeling in prayer can also be a way to express our repentance and sorrow for our sins. When we kneel before God, we are humbling ourselves before Him and asking for His forgiveness. This act of contrition can be a powerful way to seek God’s mercy and grace.

Kneeling in Prayer as a Symbol of Reverence

One of the most powerful aspects of kneeling in prayer is that it is a symbol of reverence. When we kneel before God, we are demonstrating our deep respect and awe for Him. This posture can help us to remember that God is holy and worthy of our worship and adoration.

In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul writes that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). This passage reminds us that even the angels in heaven bow down before God, and that we should follow their example by kneeling in prayer.

Kneeling in Prayer as a Form of Spiritual Warfare

Kneeling in prayer can also be a form of spiritual warfare. When we kneel before God, we are putting ourselves in a position of submission to Him, and acknowledging that He is our ultimate authority. This posture can help us to resist the temptations of the enemy, and to stand firm in our faith.

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes that we should “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

One of the pieces of armor that Paul mentions is the “belt of truth, having girded your waist,” which is a symbol of being prepared and ready for battle. Kneeling in prayer can be a way to “gird our waist” and prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles that we face.

When we kneel in prayer, we are also acknowledging that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). This posture can help us to remember that our ultimate victory is in Christ, and that He has already overcome the powers of darkness.

Overcoming Pride through Kneeling in Prayer

Pride is one of the biggest obstacles to our relationship with God. When we are filled with pride, we put ourselves above God and refuse to submit to His will. Kneeling in prayer can be a powerful way to overcome pride and cultivate a spirit of humility.

When we kneel before God, we are acknowledging that He is greater than us, and that we are in need of His mercy and grace. This act of humility can help us to recognize our own shortcomings and weaknesses, and to rely more fully on God’s strength and power.

In the book of James, the apostle writes, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). When we humble ourselves before God through kneeling in prayer, we open ourselves up to receiving His grace and mercy.

Kneeling in Prayer in Community

Kneeling in prayer can also be a powerful way to connect with other believers in a community setting. When we kneel together in prayer, we are demonstrating our unity in Christ and our commitment to seeking God’s will together.

In the book of Acts, we see an example of this kind of community prayer. After the apostles were released from prison, they gathered with the other believers and prayed together.

The text says that “when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). This passage demonstrates the power of kneeling in prayer together as a community of believers.

Practical Tips for Kneeling in Prayer

If you are new to kneeling in prayer, or if you find it difficult to maintain this posture for an extended period of time, here are some practical tips that may help:

  • Start small: Begin by kneeling for just a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase the amount of time as you become more comfortable.
  • Use a cushion: If kneeling on a hard surface is uncomfortable, consider using a cushion or kneeling pad to provide some cushioning.
  • Find a comfortable position: Experiment with different positions for your feet and legs until you find a position that is comfortable for you.
  • Focus on your breathing: Pay attention to your breath as you kneel in prayer, and use deep, slow breaths to help you relax and focus.

Conclusion

Kneeling in prayer is a powerful and meaningful posture that can help us to draw closer to God. When we kneel before Him, we are expressing our reverence, submission, and humility, and acknowledging His greatness and holiness.

Kneeling in prayer can also be a way to express our repentance and sorrow for our sins, and to seek God’s forgiveness and grace.

As Christians, we are called to pray continually and to seek God’s will in all things. Kneeling in prayer can be a powerful tool that helps us to do just that.

Whether we are facing spiritual battles, struggling with pride, or simply seeking to deepen our relationship with God, we can find strength and guidance through kneeling in prayer. So let us kneel before our Lord and Savior, and offer up our prayers and our hearts to Him.

May we be like the psalmist who wrote, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand” (Psalm 95:6-7).

Let us remember the power and significance of kneeling in prayer, and let us use this posture to draw closer to God and to seek His will in our lives. As we do so, may we experience His presence, His guidance, and His love in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.