Proper Attitude in Prayer
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“O 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 this whole chapter will, if the heart is
receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn.
To bow down when 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
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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 brasen 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.
A Growing Laxness
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