KNEELING IN PRAYER-

THE ONLY WAY TO PRAY IN WORSHIP-2

 -5- 

In the Bible, men generally knelt or fell on their faces when they prayed to the God of heaven. The harmony on this point is as remarkably consistent as is the truth about the seventh-day Sabbath being the only true weekly Sabbath of the Lord. If we keep the Bible Sabbath, we surely ought to kneel when we pray in worship to our Creator!

(The exceptions, of course, were when men prayed as they went about their work, suddenly encountered an emergency, or were situated in such a way that they could not kneel.)

Here are some of the passages where men of God knelt; there are others:

In Genesis 24:12-14, Eliezer prayed at the well for help, and Rebekah arrived "before he had done speaking" (24: 15). There is no indication that he knelt. But, when he learned it was Rebekah, a kinswoman who was arriving, he bowed in a prayer of worship.

'And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord. "Genesis 24:26.

He probably knelt or fell on his face during this prayer. Rebekah was so startled that she ran home. Similar phrasing formulas ("bowing in worship") are given three times in Exodus, and probably always indicate kneeling or falling on the face in a worshipful prayer. Here they are:

'And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel [by sending Moses to deliver them], and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped."-Exodus 4:31.

"It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people [as they realized they were about to be rescued from Egyptian domination] bowed the head and worshipped."-Exodus 12:27.

In the above passages, the phrase, "bowing," is used. But they were probably all bowing with the face to the ground. The word, "bow in prayer," in the Bible, probably means to kneel with one's head on the ground.

'And Moses [as the Lord passed by] made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped."-Exodus 34:8.

Here are additional passages, in which God's people bowed on their knees in prayer:

"And at the evening sacrifice [Ezra, having learned of the apostasy of his people] . . fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God."-Ezra 9:5.

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

"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."-Daniel 6:10.

God's people in New Testament times also bowed on their knees in prayer. The crucifixion had not freed them from that duty:

'And 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."-Acts 7:59-60.

"Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed."-Acts 9:40.

"When he [Paul] had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."-Acts 20:36.

"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.

"I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."-Ephesians 3:14.

-6 MORE ON THE POSITION IN PRAYER, IN THE BIBLE

Perhaps by now, you recognize that the above passages do not necessarily mean just "kneeling," but may indicate kneeling with the face down -even to the ground. In some instances, the seeker after God lays prostrate-flat-on the ground while praying.

There are two principles here: First, we are not told that we must do this: kneeling alone is acceptable when we worship God.

Second, there seems to be a pattern when people fall prostrate on the ground, or bow with their faces to the ground: They are either in the immediate presence of God or believe that they are.

"[At the burning bush, when God made His presence known] And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."-Exodus 3:6.

And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped."-Exodus 34:8, And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them, "-Numbers 20:6,

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What said my Lord unto His servant?"-Joshua 5:14.

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord,"-2 Chronicles 20: 18.

Sometimes when one passage speaks about "kneeling," another clarifies it as meaning bowing with the face to the ground. Here are three descriptions of Christ's first prayer in the Garden:

'And He [Christ] was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed."-Luke 22:41.

'And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless; not as I will, but as thou wilt," -Matthew 26:39.

'And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him,"-Mark 14:35.

Paul adds this comment:

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him," Hebrews 5:7.

In the Bible, we are only told that Solomon knelt and prayed (2 Chronicles 6: 13-14; cr. 1 Kings 8:22). But, in an inspired commentary on that event, we are given more detail, and told how that worship prayer was conducted:

"Solomon then knelt. . and . . lifting his hands toward heaven, while the congregation were bowed with their faces to the ground, the king pleaded [in prayer]."-Prophets and Kings, 40:1.

Other examples could be cited. In the Bible, the word, "kneeling," meant entering into a position of deepest worship before the Lord our Maker. When there was sufficient depth to the experience, an even more reverent expression occurred.

Let us now behold how Christ prayed in the Garden:

"His prayer is heard. While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground, suddenly the heavens open, the golden gates of the city of God are thrown wide, and holy radiance descends upon the mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form. Divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above. Arising from His prostrate position, Christ stands in godlike majesty," Desire of Ages, 421:1,

"He went a little distance from them-not so far but that they could both see and hear him-and fell prostrate upon the ground, He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father,"-Desire of Ages, 686:3.

"Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God, The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. "-Desire of Ages, 687:2.

"Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul, The awful moment had come-that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance,"-Desire of Ages, 690:2.

Few in Old Testament times knew how to pray as Elijah did. We have this description of him in prayer:

"So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees."-1 Kings 18:42.

"He [Elijah] then intercedes in behalf of sinning, apostate Israel. In the most painful position, his face bowed between his knees, he most earnestly supplicates God to send rain. He does not become impatient and faithless because the Lord does not immediately give the token that his prayer is heard. He continues in earnest prayer, sending his servant seven times to see if God has granted any signal."-3 Testimonies, 282:2.

"Elijah humbled himself until he was in a condition where he would not take the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which the Lord hears prayer, for then we shall give the praise to Him." 2 Bible Commentary, 1035:1 [also read the next paragraph].

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."-James 5:17-18.

Before concluding this section, it is of interest to note that, when men were in the presence of God (or thought they were), they would fall at His feet. They were not necessarily praying, but were in deepest worship.

Apparently this happened to Ezekiel, for he was afterward strengthened to arise to his feet (Ezekiel 2:1-2). He again fell on his face (3:23) and, once again, was raised to his feet (3:24). Compare Mark 5:22; 7:25; Luke 8:41; 17:16; John 11:32; Acts 10:25; 26:16.

Both Daniel and John the Revelator fell at the feet of an angel, thinking he was God. (Interestingly enough, in both instances we are elsewhere told that the angel was Gabriel.)

"So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me . . Now as he was speaking With me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground. But he touched me, and set me upright."-Daniel 8:17-18.

"And I fell at his [the angel's] feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren."-Revelation 19: 10 [repeated in 22:8-9].

Both John and Ellen White described an experience of coming into the presence of Christ:

And when I saw Him [Christ], I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last." Revelation 1: 17.

"I tried to shield myself from His [Christ's] gaze, feeling unable to endure His searching eyes, but He drew near With a smile, and, laying His hand upon my head, said: 'Fear not.' The sound of His sweet voice thrilled my heart with a happiness it had never before experienced. I was too joyful to utter a word, but, overcome with ineffable happiness, sank prostrate at His feet.

"While I was lying helpless there, scenes of beauty and glory passed before me, and I seemed to have reached the safety and peace of heaven. At length my strength returned, and I arose. The loving eyes of Jesus were still upon me, and His smile filled my soul with gladness. His presence filled me with holy reverence and an inexpressible love. "-Early Writings, 80:3-81:0.

-7- PROBLEM PASSAGES

There are several passages, which may appear to contradict the Scriptural rule that we should kneel when worshiping God. These are instances of standing prayers. Let us examine each of them:

- 1 - NEHEMIAH IN PRAYER

There are several instances in which God suddenly spoke to men, and they answered Him. One example would be when the Lord spoke to the child Samuel as he lay in bed. But such occurrences, obviously, are not worship prayers.

Then there are instances in which men, in times of great emergency, cried to the Lord. One example would be Sampson, as he stood by the pillars, just before pulling down the temple of Dagon. He was not engaged in worship, but crying for help.

Another would be Nehemiah, when he darted a prayer up to God before answering the question of the King, before whom he stood. The Spirit of Prophecy highly commends Nehemiah's action. In the midst of his ongoing work, and in a time of emergency when he needed just the right words and response, -he quickly sent up a prayer for guidance. It was an emergency situation; he was in the middle of his work, and did not need to kneel.

'Another question [from Artaxerxes] gave the opportunity for which Nehemiah had long waited: 'For what does thou make request?' But the man of God did not venture to reply till he had sought direction from One higher than Artaxerxes . . 'I prayed,' he said, 'to the God of heaven.' In that brief prayer Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side a power that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are turned.

"To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the command of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer may be impossible."-Prophets and Kings, 631:1-2.

Our kind Father is very practical, and He neither expects nor requires changed body positions when we pray in the midst of our daily duties. He is more concerned that we keep praying as we work!

Keep in mind that the Scriptural plan is that we should bow on our knees in prayer during worship, if at all possible. When emergencies arise or as we go about our daily work, we are not in a worship situation and we can pray as we sit, stand, or while resting.

But there are three special passages, which some consider to be problems. They appear to violate the rule to kneel during worship prayers:

2 - SOLOMON AT THE TEMPLE DEDICATION

Here is the problem passage, as presented by those who declare it is all right to stand to pray in worship to God: 'And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation stood.

'And he said, Blessed by the Lord God of Israel, who hath With his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying, Since the day that I brought forth my people. .

" . . [Prayer] . .

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house."-2 Chronicles 6:17:1.

As the argument goes, the above passage indicates that Solomon stood when he prayed at the dedication of the Temple. This passage has been cited as evidence that it is not necessary to kneel during a worship prayer.

However, when we look more closely at this, and its parallel passage in 1 Kings, we find that Solomon did, indeed, kneel during this prayer. In addition, we will learn that, while he kneeled, all the congregation fell on their faces.

Here is this closer analysis:

First, Solomon blessed the congregation. We are told that he stood while doing this (2 Chronicles 6:3-11 and 1 Kings 8:12-21).

When the blessing was concluded, King Solomon remained standing (2 Chronicles 6: 12; 1 Kings 8:22). Then he began the dedicatory prayer. But did he first kneel before giving that prayer?

(1) The beginning of the prayer: It is true that 2 Chronicles 6:12 and 1 Kings 8:22 tell us that Solomon was standing when he was about to begin his prayer. But many people overlook the fact that 2 Chronicles 6:13 says he then knelt to begin the prayer, So he did kneel during that prayer,

"For Solomon had made a brazen scaffold, . and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven. And said. . "-2 Chronicles 6:13-14.

(2) The end of the prayer: It is true that 2 Chronicles 7:1 does not say what his position was when the prayer ended, But 1 Kings 8:54 clearly states that he had been kneeling during that prayer! '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. And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice,"-1 Kings 8:54-55.

(3) It should not be surprising that the mention of Solomon's getting on his knees should have been omitted in one or the other of those parallel passages, There is evidence of other omissions: For example, 2 Chronicles 7:1 does not mention the final blessing of the people, which is recorded in 1 Kings 8:55-61.

(4) The Spirit of Prophecy clearly, in the most definite words, clarifies the matter: Solomon and all the people stood as he blessed the people. Then, we are told, he knelt-and, with him, all the congregation knelt also:

"Upon this [platform] Solomon stood and with uplifted hands blessed the vast multitude before him, and all the congregation of Israel stood.' [He blessed them] . . Solomon then knelt upon the platform, and in the hearing of all the people offered the dedicatory prayer. Lifting his hands toward heaven, while the congregation were bowed with their faces to the ground, the king pleaded. ."Prophets and Kings, 39:2-40:1 [cf. 2 Selected Messages, 312:8-313:2],

"King Solomon stood upon a brazen scaffold before the altar and blessed the people. He then knelt down and, with his hands raised upward, poured forth earnest and solemn prayer to God while the congregation were bowed with their faces to the ground. After Solomon had ended his prayer, a miraculous fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifice."-Story of Redemption, 194:3.

(5) After concluding a description of that entire worship service, several pages later Ellen White returns to one aspect of the service, in order to emphasize it more strongly: the fact that the great Solomon kneeled to pray. According to her, this act of kneeling on his part, revealed a genuineness to his Christian experience. Then we are told that we today must also kneel, lest we lose the sense of God's holiness and majesty.

"The humility of Solomon at the time he began to bear the burdens of state, when he acknowledged before God, 'I am but a little child' (1 Kings 3:7), his marked love of God, his profound reverence for things divine, his distrust of self, and his exaltation of the infinite Creator of all- all these traits of character, so worthy of emulation, were revealed during the services connected with the completion of the temple, when during his dedicatory prayer he knelt in the humble position of a petitioner. Christ's followers today should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how they should approach their Maker-with humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. The psalmist has declared:

" 'The Lord is a great God, and a mighty King above all gods. . 0 come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.' Psalm 95:3-6.

"Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God 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,' the psalmist declares. Psalm 111:9. 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 angel, 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." Prophets and Kings, 48:1-49:1.

3 - THE PHARISEE ON THE STREET

Another example cited as evidence that it is not necessary to kneel while praying, is the fact that Jesus Himself spoke of standing in prayer: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them. . When thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets. . And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward,"-Matthew 6:1-25.

Now, really, who wants to use the hypocrites as an example for how he should pray during worship! Jesus was not recommending the actions of the Pharisee.

4 - THE PUBLICAN

Then there is the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, who were praying in the temple: "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other 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.

And the publican, standing far off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner!"-Luke 18:10-13.

In this instance, the publican was standing, praying, and doing it in church. And Jesus commended him. Is this, at last, an exception to the rule? . Believing that Scripture is always consistent with itself, let us examine this passage more closely:

(1) The man was in the process of coming to God. He did not know how to properly approach Him. If a pagan sat or stood, while in sincere prayer for forgiveness of sin, -would not Jesus commend his prayer and receive him? Of course, He would.

(2) The contrast in the parable was between the Pharisee who knew so much truth, who prayed "to himself," not to God in heaven, vs. the heathen publican who, in utter genuineness and humility of spirit, pled with God for forgiveness. -And, as a result, he was justified! (Many spend years trying to figure out the meaning of "justification by faith," yet this poor man received it within a few minutes!) "I tell you that this man went down to his house justified!" (Luke 18:14).

(3) The publican prayed the prayer privately in church. It was not a worship prayer; it was a plea for forgiveness and acceptance.

(4) This prayer is like those which Ellen White conducted at the conclusion of public meetings, in which she called for individuals to dedicate their lives to God-and then led them in prayer while standing, Such prayers are not prayers of worship. They are prayers of repentance and surrender. (However, the statements quoted earlier indicate that, when practical, she preferred to have the audience kneel during such a prayer, But it was in no way required.)

So we find no instances in the Bible when God's faithful ones prayed a worship prayer to Him while standing or sitting. Why then do moderns do it? Convenience and appearance-the same reasons they sprinkle their babies, go to church on the first day of the week, and carry around beautiful Bibles, which they rarely open.

-8- FREQUENCY OF PERSONAL WORSHIP PRAYER

 How often should we pray during the day? Here are some interesting statements, which also reveal how often we should, if possible, worship God on our knees each day:

"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,"-Daniel 6:10.

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. "--Psalm 55:17.

"In following Christ, looking unto Him who is the Author and Finisher of your faith, you will feel that you are working under His eye, that you are influenced by His presence, and that He knows your motives. At every step you will humbly inquire: Will this please Jesus? Will it glorify God? Morning and evening your earnest prayers should ascend to God for His blessing and guidance. True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives us the victory. Upon his knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation."-4 Testimonies, 615:4-616:0.

"The father who is the 'house band' of the family will bind his children to the throne of God by living faith. Distrusting his own strength, he hangs his helpless soul on Jesus and takes hold of the strength of the Most High. Brethren, pray at home, in your family, night and morning; pray earnestly in your closet; and while engaged in your daily labor, lift up the soul to God in prayer. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. The silent, fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of grace and will be acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To all who thus seek Him, Christ becomes a present help in time of need. "-4 Testimonies, 616:1.

"Your mind was given that you might be keen to discern your God-given opportunities. Your ears are to listen for the commands of God. Your knees are to bow three times a day in heartfelt prayer. Your feet are to run in the way of God's commandments. Thought, effort, talent, should be put into exercise, that you may be prepared to graduate into the school above and hear from the lips of one who has overcome all temptations in our behalf the words: 'To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.' 'Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.' Revelation 3:21; Zechariah 3:7. If you do not co-operate with the Lord by giving yourself to Him and doing His service you will be judged unfit to be a subject of His pure, heavenly kingdom." Testimonies, 298:0.

-9- OTHER POSITIONAL ASPECTS OF PRAYER

Here is additional helpful information about the best positions during prayer, when others are present. Our Father kindly helps us understand better ways of praying:

"The long prayers made by some ministers have been a great failure. Praying to great length, as some do, is all out of place. They injure the throat and vocal organs, and then they talk of breaking down by their hard labor. They injure themselves when it is not called for. Many feel that praying injures their vocal organs more than talking. This is a consequence of the unnatural position of the body, and the manner of holding the head. They can stand and talk, and not feel injured. The position in prayer should be perfectly natural. Long praying wearies, and is not in accordance with the gospel of Christ. Half or even quarter of an hour is altogether too long. A few minutes' time is long enough to bring your case before God and tell Him what you want; and you can take the people with you and not weary them out and lessen their interest in devotion and prayer. They may be refreshed and strengthened, instead of exhausted. "-2 Testimonies, 617:2.

 "When Christ taught the people, He did not devote the time to prayers. He did not enforce upon them, as did the Pharisees, long, tedious ceremonies and prayer. He taught His disciples how to pray: 'And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him. After this manner therefore pray ye.' "-2 Testimonies, 580:3-581:0.

"But many offer their prayer in a dry, sermonizing manner. These pray to men, not to God. If they were praying to God, and really understood what they were doing, they would be alarmed at their audacity; for they deliver a discourse to the Lord in the mode of prayer, as though the Creator of the universe needed special information upon general questions in relation to things transpiring in the world. All such prayers are as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. They are made no account of in heaven. Angels of God are wearied with them, as well as mortals who are compelled to listen to them.

Jesus was often found in prayer. He resorted to the lonely groves or to the mountains to make His requests known to His Father. When the business and cares of the day were ended, and the weary were seeking rest, Jesus devoted the time to prayer. We should not discourage prayer, for there is far too little praying and watching thereto. And there is still less praying with the Spirit and the understanding also. Fervent and effectual prayer is always in place, and will never weary. Such prayer interests and refreshes all who have a love for devotion.

"Secret prayer is neglected, and this is why many offer such long, tedious, backslidden prayers when they assemble to worship God. They go over in their prayers a week of neglected duties, and pray round and round, hoping to make up for their neglect and pacify their condemned consciences, which are scourging them. They hope to pray themselves into the favor of God. But frequently these prayers result in bringing other minds down to their own low level in spiritual darkness. If Christians would take home the teaching of Christ in regard to watching and praying, they would become more intelligent in their worship of God."-2 Testimonies, 581 :2-582:2.

"And let not those who kneel round the family altar put their faces in their hands and in their chair when they address God. Let them lift up their heads and, with holy awe and boldness, come to the throne of grace."-Adventist Home, 435:3.

"Let not those who kneel around the family altar put their faces in their hands close down to the chair when they address God. Let them lift up their heads and with holy awe speak to their heavenly Father, uttering their words in tones that can be heard."-6 Testimonies, 381:4.

"I am pained as I see how little the gift of speech is appreciated. In reading the Bible, in engaging in prayer, in bearing testimony in meeting, how necessary is clear, distinct utterance! And how much is lost in family worship when the one offering prayer bows the face down and speaks in a low, feeble voice! But as soon as family worship is over, those who could not speak loud enough to be heard in prayer, can usually speak in clear, distinct tones, and there is no difficulty in hearing what they say. Prayer that is thus uttered is appropriate for the closet, but not edifying in family or public worship; for unless those assembled can hear what is said, they cannot say Amen. Nearly all can speak loud enough to be heard in ordinary conversation, and why should they not speak thus when called upon to bear testimony or to offer prayer?

"When speaking of divine things, why not speak in distinct tones, and in a manner that will make it manifest that you know whereof you speak, and are not ashamed to show your colors? Why not pray as if you had a conscience void of offense, and could come to the throne of grace in humility, yet with holy boldness, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting? Do not bow down and cover up your faces as if there were something that you desired to conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ your Mediator stands before the Father to present your prayers, mingled with His own merit and spotless righteousness, as fragrant incense. "-Counsels to Teachers, 241: 12.

"Prosy, sermonizing prayers are uncalled for and out of place in public. A short prayer, offered in fervor and faith, will soften the hearts of the hearers; but during long prayers they wait impatiently, as if wishing that every word might end it. Had the minister making such a prayer wrestled with God in his chamber until he felt that his faith could grasp the promise, 'Ask and it shall be given you," he would in his public prayer have come to the point at once, asking with earnestness and faith for grace for himself and his hearers."-Gospel Workers, 179:2.

-10- CONCLUSION

We have found the inspired statements to be both clear and consistent. There are different types of prayer at different times. We can generally pray in any position. Our Father is far more anxious that we pray than what our position may be when we do it.

Yet there is a strong exception to this: He requires that we get on our knees, as the very minimum, when we are worshiping Him. As with all His other requirements, this one is for our best good. You have read the statements and know, by this time, why it is for our best good.

Only the humble who have learned to obey God's words, will go through to the end. They alone will obtain the victory over sin; they alone will erelong stand on the sea of glass-there to fall before Him and worship Him, as they did on earth.

Many years ago, in 1965, an earnest Christian friend told me this: "I stand when I speak to an equal. I get on one knee, when I speak to an earthly ruler. I get on both knees when I speak to God."

-11- WHEN EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

 Oh, thank the Lord, that the day is coming when every creature in the universe will bow the knee in prayer to God! Let us now-before that time-begin. Only the wicked will wait until later to do it. Those who worship their God appropriately now will do so with thankfulness-now and later. Those who wait till after probation-will do it in terror.

Why is it that, in this world, men and women hesitate to kneel before God? Yet the time is coming when every knee shall bow in solemn worship.

"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear."-Isaiah 45:23.

As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."-Romans 14:11.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. "-Philippians 2:9-11.

"As if entranced, the Wicked have looked upon the coronation of the Son of God. They see in His hands the tables of the divine law, the statutes which they have despised and transgressed. They Witness the outburst of wonder, rapture, and adoration from the saved; and as the wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes without the city, all with one voice exclaim, 'Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints'; and. falling prostrate, they worship the Prince of life. "-Great Controversy, 668:4-669:0.

"Satan sees that his voluntary rebellion has unfitted him for heaven. . His accusations against the mercy and justice of God are now silenced. The reproach which he has endeavored to cast upon Jehovah rests wholly upon himself. And now Satan bows down and confesses the justice of his sentence."-Great Controversy. 670:2.

 -12-

APPLICATION

After concluding this study, those whom it was shown to in advance said that it was insufficient: There also needed to be suggestions as to how to adapt the Bible/Spirit of Prophecy pattern to the situation we find in our church services now.

The present writer has had some experience with dealing with that. So here are several suggestions: "There are generally four prayers during worship services in our churches.

1-THE SILENT PRAYER The first is a silent prayer by those on the platform, just after they enter:

Here is the first part of the traditional church service:

(1) Those leading out in the service enter the platform, and (2) the audience stands respectfully as those on the platform kneel in silent prayer. Then all stand and sing the doxology together. (3) The speaker steps forward and gives a prayer while everyone stands.

Let us consider how the silent prayer relates to the Bible-Spirit of Prophecy blueprint:

The present writer found no instance in Scripture in which the leaders of a worship group prayed to God-while others stood about them, or in front of them. We rarely find such conduct even outside of a worship gathering! When a Christian kneels down to pray about an important matter, fellow Christians in the room do not stand around him! They kneel with him.

The minister (or other speaker) is supposed to be the one who will speak words from God's Word to the people in that worship service, and he is kneeling to re-establish that vital contact-before bringing God's message to the people.

Why would the congregation be standing at such a solemn moment! He has entered the presence of the God of heaven-and there they are, standing like soldiers at attention! Why? Who told them to do that? God's Word surely did not.

The theory, that they are "showing respect," is a fallacious one:

(1) They are not showing respect for the act of prayer. If they really believed that the mouthpiece of God was on his knees beseeching the King of heaven for help, -the congregation would be on their knees also, adding their silent pleas to his! To merely stand there is ridiculous.

(2) For the same reasons, they are not showing respect for the minister, the event, for God, or themselves. The minister needs their concerted, though silent, prayers also at such an important time. The event demands it. Reverence to God requires that they get on their knees, for they are in His presence while His servant is praying! Lastly, the Bible pattern is that "all ye are brethren," All are to kneel and plead for Christ's help in this service. For the congregation to stand while the speaker kneels is akin to the papal concept that only certain people can approach God on behalf of the rest.

That initial silent prayer is quite obviously a worship prayer. Not even the heathen in Arabia or India stand during their worship prayers!

Keep in mind that many in the audience know of friends who need spiritual help at that gathering. They should be on their knees praying silently as those on the platform do. The congregation will also know about visitors there that day, who need special prayer. We should not expect those on the platform to know all these needs. United prayer is always more powerful. Why rob the congregation of an opportunity to pray, as is done during the traditional initial silent prayer?

What should be done to solve this problem? The answer is that everyone in the auditorium, who is physically able to do so, should kneel and silently pray at the same time that those on the podium do.

THE INVOCATION-The invocation is also a worship prayer. It should be given while kneeling! It is true that this could produce the effect of an "updown-up-down" pattern: The ministers enter and everyone up; the ministers and people kneel -and It everyone down; everyone rises to sing the doxology up; everyone kneels for the invocation-down again. This smacks of the mindless traditional forms we see when we attend a Catholic mass: up, down, up, down. A meaningful church service should have a calm, worshipful atmosphere and a purposive flow. Everything that is done should have a reason, and it should be a reason based on obedience to God's Word.

What is the solution? The solution is to rearrange the order of service. Here is a revised first section of the worship service: (1) Someone comes out onto the platform and gives the name of the speaker for that morning, the purpose of the offering, announcements of coming events, but not the worship hymn numbers. (These will be posted on a front wall. No announcements will be given during the worship service.) (2) Everyone arises as those who are ministering enter. (3) Following the lead of the speaker, all kneel together for silent prayer. All are silently praying for God's blessing on that meeting and on those in attendance. (4) Then, while all are still on their knees, the speaker prays aloud, giving the invocation. (5) All arise together and sing the doxology.

How very nice, orderly, and meaningful such an order of service is!

THE OFFERING PRAYER AND WORSHIP PRAYER

The central portion of worship is also important. Here is the middle part of the traditional church service: (1) Announcements are made of coming picnics, movies, and whatnots. (2) Perhaps a Scripture reading, (3) followed by an opening hymn. (4) The offering prayer is given (while everyone is sitting, many of them fumbling for their wallets or purses!). (5) Then the offering is taken, (6) followed by the pastoral prayer (during which all kneel), (7) special music, (8) and the sermon.

We did not mention the timing of the music; that is generally done all right-when it is proper music and properly played. The organist and pianist often provide a more worshipful atmosphere than do the speakers, with their standing prayers, announcements of coming shows, long ingathering pleas, and jokes in the pulpit.

In this normal arrangement, the only kneeling prayer in the entire church service is the pastoral prayer. What decadent lives we live! Little wonder we have no spiritual power! We have forgotten how to pray to our God!

We will get down on our knees to change the crankcase oil, plant beans, or pull weeds. But we sit or stand in prayer, showing how little respect we have for the act of entering our Creator's presence! Many of God's professed people only kneel in prayer one time a week-during the pastor's prayer at church. Pitiful. Such pathetic living produces spiritual misery; and, to make matters worse, many blame their kind Father for the daily trials they face all alone. They are like orphans, wandering through life.

How can we improve on this?

We would do it by a little rearranging, combining the offering and pastoral prayer, and changing the pattern at the close. We need to make it worshipful and more in harmony with God's Word. Of course, only those will kneel who are able to do so: Here is a revised middle section of the worship service:

(1) Scripture reading, if it is desired (we would recommend it). (2) The worship hymn. (3) Without any announcement at this time, assistants quietly begin taking the offering, starting from the front. (4) When the offering has been taken, the pastor arises and calls the people to the worship prayer. He may mention the needs of certain ones who are sick or injured. Then all kneel, and the pastor prays earnestly (earnestly!). During that prayer he mentions in passing the offering which was just taken. (5) Special music. (6) The sermon.

You will note that, in this revised format, the name of the opening hymn has been changed to the worship hymn, for that is what it is. The pastoral prayer is now the worship prayer. The worship hymn, prayer, and sermon constitute the worship gathering.

Let us now consider what occurs after the sermon is concluded:

THE CONSECRATION PRAYER-You will recall the footnote, quoted earlier, which said that Ellen White gave benedictions while standing. The present writer found not one statement about her giving a benediction! Perhaps on occasion she did, but that is not what was in the statements. Every instance cited, in which she gave a closing prayer of any sort (standing or kneeling)-was a dedicatory prayer following a consecration call; it was not a benediction, which is just a routine, concluding prayer to end the service.

Here is the last part of the traditional church service: (1) Closing hymn. (2) Someone asks everyone to stand, and then he gives a quick prayer. (3) The meeting adjourns.

How can this be done better?

Here is a revised final section of the worship service: (1) The call is given. (A call for souls to come forward and accept Christ for the first time. This is followed by extending the call, to make it a consecration call for the others. When possible, they can be asked to press to the front, but this may not always be feasible.) [Alternative: On some Sabbaths, have a consecration call; on others have the audience give testimonies.] (2) Next comes an earnest consecration prayer (kneeling or standing). (3) A closing hymn, if desired (or a couple stanzas of a song can be sung softly during the call to come to the front). (4) If desired, the speaker could bless the congregation with God's favor and help through the coming week. (5) The meeting is adjourned (while those who have made an initial, or special, decision meet with the pastor in back).

When it is thought best to do so, the audience is asked to kneel for this prayer. By this kneeling response, they can more wholeheartedly pledge their personal acknowledgment of love and devotion to God. But kneeling is not a necessity, for this call and consecration is not part of the main worship service. The people are not worshiping God, but initiating or renewing their acceptance of Him as their Lord. Ellen White apparently had them kneel when the auditorium was not crowded. We do not know, but it may also be that she had them kneel when most of those in attendance were Advent believers. Keep in mind that she frequently spoke to large audiences, primarily composed of non-Adventists.

Obviously, the above conclusion to the service lends itself well to bringing your friends to the service, so they can accept Christ and begin Bible studies. We are told that, in every audience, there are souls who want to come to Christ.

An alternative to the consecration call would be to invite the audience to stand and give testimonies of their experience and love for Jesus. This is a sweet experience, one which the early pioneers deeply appreciated.

You will notice that we have eliminated the benediction. Actually, the traditional concluding prayer is not one! A "benediction" is a blessing on the congregation, pronounced by the speaker at the beginning or close of the service. It is Biblical. But a true, brief Biblical benediction could be given at the close of the worship gathering. A true benediction-a blessing upon them-would cheer the hearts of the departing congregation and encourage them for the oncoming week.

If you will study the blessing uttered by Solomon in the Bible (2 Chronicles 6:3-11; 1 Kings 8:14-21), you will find that it was given while he and all the congregation stood, and that it primarily consisted of praising the Lord for His protecting care.

THE ENTIRE SERVICE-Here is this entire suggested, revised order of worship service. It is not stuck in concrete, so do what you want with it: (1) Someone comes out onto the platform and gives the name of the speaker for that morning, the purpose of the offering, announcements of coming events, but not the worship hymn numbers. (These will be posted on a front wall. No announcements will be given during the worship service.) (2) Everyone arises as those who are ministering enter. (3) Following the lead of the speaker, all kneel together for silent prayer. All are silently praying for God's blessing on that meeting, and on those in attendance. (4) Then, while all are still on their knees, the speaker prays aloud, giving the invocation. (5) All arise together and sing the doxology.

(6) Scripture reading, if it is desired (we would recommend it). (7) The worship hymn. (8) Without any announcement at this time, assistants quietly begin taking the offering, starting from the front. (9) When the offering has been taken, the pastor arises and calls the people to the worship prayer. He may mention the needs of certain ones who are sick or injured. Then all kneel, and the pastor prays earnestly (earnestly!). During that prayer he mentions in passing the offering which was just taken. (10) Special music. (11) The sermon. (12) The call is given. (A call for souls to come forward and accept Christ for the first time. This is followed by extending the call, to make it a consecration call for the others. When possible, they can be asked to press to the front, but this may not always be feasible.) [Alternative: On some Sabbaths, have a consecration call; on others have the audience give testimonies.]

(13) Next comes an earnest consecration prayer (kneeling or standing). (14) A closing hymn, if desired (or a couple stanzas of a song can be sung softly during the call to come to the front). (15) If desired, the speaker could bless the congregation with God's favor and help through the coming week. (16) The meeting is adjourned (while those who have made an initial, or special, decision meet with the pastor in back).

Here it is again, as a word outline:

  • ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Enter / Silent Prayer - all arise, then kneel

  • INVOCATION - still kneeling

  • Doxology

  • SCRIPTURE

  • WORSHIP HYMN

  • OFFERING taken

  • WORSHIP PRAYER - all kneel

  • SPECIAL MUSIC

  • SERMON

  • CLOSING HYMN

  • CONSECRATION CALL

  • or TESTIMONIES

  • DEDICATION PRAYER - stand or kneel

  • BENEDICTION (if desired)

There are definite advantages to an order of worship, as suggested above. First, it is more Biblical. Second, because it is more simplified, it is likely to be more quiet and reverent. Third, it is definitely more purposive and worshipful in all its parts.

It rather quickly becomes a ritual to do something just to do it. In this revised arrangement, the opening silent and invocational prayers have become meaningful. The announcements are banished from the interior of the service. Most or all the prayers are kneeling, without a up-down-up-down routine. The entire service lends itself to a worshipful atmosphere. It all becomes a meaningful experience. But, beware, the heart must be in it, and the prayers must be sincere-or even the best service becomes a dead gathering.

If you believe you may have a difficult time getting the brethren to modify your local church service, try for just these two changes:

1 - All kneel for the silent prayer, and switch the two items which immediately follow it, so everyone can remain kneeling for the invocation: (kneeling: silent prayer and invocation; standing: doxology).

2 - Either kneel for the offering prayer or place the pastor's prayer immediately after the offering, which had no prayer preceding it.

Here is a final suggestion. One of the most worshipful services the present writer ever saw, was conducted by a pastor who let a few moments of time elapse between events. Someone was not always jumping up to start the next item on the worship agenda.

May the Lord bless your efforts, as you seek to worship Him in accordance with His commands. 

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