Ezra 9:5
And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God, And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,
At the time of the evening sacrifice Ezra prayed over Israel's trespass, arising from his heaviness and distress, rending his garment and his mantle, falling upon his knees, spreading out his hands unto the Lord his God, and unburdening his soul in earnest supplication. He rose from distress and tore his clothing once more to take this posture of intercession.
His prayer began in shame and confession that iniquity had increased over the head and grown up unto the heavens. He confessed his own sins and the sins of his people and entreated pardon as if he himself were the offender. In this he humbled himself before God in the work of reform, patiently toiling and praying and suffering to set his people right with God.
He knelt before God while confessing Israel's sins, and is thus an example of humble prayer. Kneeling with hands spread out is a posture of prayer and worship that expresses reverence and dependence upon God. It expresses humility, awe, and godly fear. Falling upon the knees and spreading out the hands is always the proper and right position for offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Bowing on the knees in both public and private worship when presenting petitions is a privilege and the right way to approach the Maker through faith in a divine Mediator, showing dependence upon God.
The verse shows sorrow and confession when the law of God has been disregarded. Feeling as Ezra did means openly admitting transgression of the law, grieving with tears and mourning, bringing offerings and praise to God, and resolving to keep the commandments now that their light is seen. This intelligent sight of transgression explains past darkness and uncertainty and leads to laying hold of the commandments to keep them and live.