Discover Better Positions For When You Pray
Is it better to kneel, sit, or lie down? Or is our position something entirely different?
Three preachers were discussing the best positions for praying while a telephone repairman worked nearby.
"Kneeling is definitely best," claimed one.
“No," another contended. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven."
"You're both wrong," the third insisted. "Lying prostrate, face down on the floor produces the most effective prayers."
"You know, fellas," interrupted the repairman, "the best praying I ever did, was once hanging upside down from a telephone pole!"
I’m sure he did, but I don’t recommend it!
Which one is your favorite? Does is matter to God whether we are kneeling, sitting, or lying down?
Here’s the thing: As followers of Christ, we have a position for praying, but this isn’t about our physical posture. Actually, our position is referring to our standing in Christ.
Believers have a standing in Christ, in three ways:
First is our position of Relationship: We are children of God (Galatians 4:7); we are friends of God (John 15:15) and we are the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9). These and other passages identify us as members of His family.
These relationships are familial and intimate. They are personal and divine. Now and eternal.
Our relationship with God resembles a family portrait with ever-expanding frames—we are simultaneously His children, cherished friends, and beloved bride. Like a masterfully crafted tapestry, these relationships interweave to create an unbreakable bond of divine intimacy.
Furthermore is our position of Abiding: Our position is established when we abide in Him and His Word abides in us (John 15:7). To abide is to remain, to stand, to continue, to dwell in. We are in the household of faith, we dwell in close fellowship with the Lord and His word.
This abiding isn't a temporary visit but a permanent residence where His truth permeates every corner of our being, transforming us from within as we breathe the very atmosphere of heaven.
With this Word fully in us (abiding, dwelling, living), we ask from it for the very things He has promised to give. “Dad, you said we could go to the park when the garage was cleaned.” Father, you have promised to give the good gift to those who ask.
Finally is our position of Authority: that of kings and of priests (Revelation 1:6). These roles position us as both representatives of God before mankind and advocates of mankind before God. In this way, we intercede - or stand in the gap.
Our position is like holding dual citizenship with diplomatic credentials—we represent the kingdom of heaven while advocating for earth's inhabitants, carrying divine authority not because we've earned it, but because the King himself has granted us His signet ring.
Therefore, let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
In prayer, our physical posture matters far less than our spiritual position—rooted in relationship, established in abiding presence, and empowered with divine authority. This three-fold standing in Christ transforms our prayers from mere religious ritual into powerful communion with the Creator of the universe who calls us family.
Question: How might your prayer life transform if you approached God not from a position of distance or unworthiness, but from your rightful place as a beloved child with the authority to access the throne room of heaven itself?
Lord, when I come before You in prayer, it's like standing at the intersection of heaven and earth with diplomatic papers signed by Your own hand—authorized to represent Your kingdom here and to advocate for humanity there. Help me to fully embrace this remarkable position You've granted me in Christ. Amen
For Further Reading on the abiding in Christ and prayer, see this article.