p. 4 | Kneeling in Prayer by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 8, 1910

Kneeling in Prayer

By G. B. THOMPSON

G. B. THOMPSON

Two little girls were playing—they were at church. “Now we are to have prayer,” said one. “You kneel down, and be a real Christian; I’ll just sit down, and put my hand up to my face. I’ll be a stylish Christian.”

The simple remark of this little girl is quite to the point, and suggests a thought that older people might consider with profit. Kneeling in prayer, either by preacher or layman, is practically a thing of the past in orthodox Protestantism. Catholics get on their knees frequently, and the heathen bow down to wood and stone; but orthodox Christians have about ceased to kneel: it is easier and more stylish to sit.

For some time the writer has observed a tendency among Seventh-day Adventists to sit in their pews, and be “stylish Christians.” In churches where the worshippers used to kneel, they now sit. Why? We recognize the fact that there are conditions which render it impossible or unwise to kneel, but such conditions obtain no more now than in the past. It is true that God accepts the fervent prayer of a sincere and consecrated heart, regardless of the posture of the supplicant; but we believe the most consistent position for frail, sinful man to assume when addressing the high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity, and before whom angels bow, is to kneel. “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Ps. 95: 6.

It might not be unprofitable to meditate on this question. If we do not kneel in public services while the Deity is addressed, let us ask ourselves why. Is it because the surroundings make it impracticable? or is it because we are becoming less earnest, and more careless, formal, and indifferent than in the past? In analyzing our spiritual condition, this question is worthy of more than a passing thought.

Takoma Park, D. C.