Chapter 79—Our Attitude in Prayer
Both in public and in 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.” Of His disciples it is
recorded that they, too, “kneeled down, and prayed.” Paul declared, “I
bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In confessing
before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel “kneeled upon his
knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.”
True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite great-
ness 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. 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 Scrip-
ture 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.” Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels, exclaimed,
“The Lord is in this place; and I knew it not....”—
Gospel Workers, 178,
179
.
[252]
219