What should my prayer posture be?

Quintus Heine

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father.

In the Bible, there are many examples of different postures and gestures in prayer. However, no specific instructions are given. Keep in mind that prayer is not just a mental exercise, but that your whole body (physical) comes before the Lord in prayer. When we talk to someone, our posture communicates louder than then words we use - it's no different with prayer. On the one hand, we must guard against the abuse of our physical selves in prayer, and on the other, we must also warn against any legalistic prescriptions that people may want to enforce. Your posture and gestures can help you to sharpen your focus on God.

Body posture

Kneeling: It is a well-known form of posture in the Bible. When you kneel, you are small before a great God. It is a sign of deep commitment. In the early church, it was the attitude adopted by most spiritual leaders.

Standing: In the Old Testament, this was the posture most commonly used, usually with hands and eyes lifted up to heaven. It is a sign of respect and recognition of the authority of the person before whom you stand.

Seated, bowed: In the Bible, sitting and pray is never mentioned. This posture only took off in the church in the 17th century AD. It was the culture at the time for men to stand while women remain seated. The next development was that everyone remained seated in bent posture before God. This meant there was less fatigue on the body (as opposed to standing or kneeling) and people could focus more on God.

Gestures

Arms lifted up: The Jews especially would pray with their arms and palms of their hands lifted upwards. It is a gesture of someone waiting to receive. Palms up: Many people use this gesture to show their openness to God. Hands together: This is well-known in today's time but it is not in the Bible. It was adopted during medieval times by the church as a sign of humility and to keep your hands focused. Hand clapping: In the Old Testament it was understood as clapping for the Lord. Eyes open: The Israelites prayed standing with their eyes open towards heaven. Jesus and Paul did the same. Eyes closed: This has become a sign of reverence in churches throughout the ages. It also helps with concentration.

Whatever your prayer posture or gestures,  this is a personal preference according to circumstances and customs. However, it is important to know that your whole body prays together when you call on God. God sees our hearts - this we must never forget.

Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that my whole body prays together, when I call on you. Amen.