Today, points are shared on prayer as a sacred practice for Christian believers. In addition to prayer by speaking aloud and silent prayer, believers correctly “enter the divine presence” for prayer with holy boldness and trembling, and using such varied postures as bowing, kneeling, sitting, standing, with their arms outstretched and uplifted, and with hands folded against one another (palm-to-palm) or joined (i.e., hand-in-hand). In the same way tears may appear to express sorrow, weeping also may appear to express joy. Prayers also may be distinguished by brevity, fervor, focus, importunity, inclusiveness, intensity, perseverance, and strength. In Scripture, Moses, Aaron, Joshua and others even prostrate themselves (i.e., fall on their face; lay face down on ones stomach) fulfilling the word: From dust thou art, to dust thou shalt return. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following sneak attack:
Why do Christians bow down when they pray to God when Jews do not and Christ never taught or bowed down when he prayed?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1st Thessalonians 5: 14-24, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Prayer to Read? (03/25/2015); Cornelius, and Prayer By Sinners? (03/09/2015); Prayer in Public? (02/24/2015); The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); Should Men Take Their Hats Off? (05/15/2014); The Issue Is Not Accuracy (05/16/2014); Intercession (12/27/2013); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013)
“Anonymous”, here are a few points on the purpose and substance of Christian prayer that release many from error and spiritual confusion:
(1.) The offering of prayer occurs in the new life of a believer as both a group (we say, communal) and individual (we say, personal, private) practice.
(2.) Prayer is no less a sacrament (we say, sacred practice) than baptism, confession, marriage, and ordination to serve within the priesthood.
(3.) Prayer sanctifies (we say, cleanses and sets apart for exclusive service to GOD) the place where it is offered. Thus, ones private place for prayer (we say, closet) is purified by the believer’s truth in the same manner (and by the same Spirit) as the sanctuary within a church building provided for the full assembly of believers.
(4.) Ones emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual postures all are to be in agreement or harmonized in prayer through humility, intent, motive, purpose, and truth. Thus, there are both inner and outward displays of acceptance, awe, compliance, gratitude, obedience, respect, reverence, and submission.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) Flesh and spirit are united in prayer. For divinity, there are further nourishment of life, provision of sacred knowledge, and continuing revelation. For humanity, there are contact, exposure, and self-discovery.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. May your prayers ever be answered according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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