“And whenever you stand praying…” (Mark 11:25 ESV).
In Christ’s teaching on prayer, He assumed that the disciples would stand to pray. I’ve never done an exhaustive study on the body positions of those praying in the Bible, but I can think of several other prayer postures mentioned, like Moses bowing (Ex.34:8), or Daniel kneeling (Dan. 6:10), or Jesus lying prostrate on His face in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:39).
Many pray while seated or even while lying in the bed. I’m sure all these different postures are fine. Yet I have found that standing to pray affects not only my physical posture, but my spiritual and mental posture as well. Standing tends to focus my attention and awaken my awareness of God’s holy presence. It keeps my mind from wandering and my body from feeling sleepy. I have also found that walking while praying adds another helpful dimension.
Have you tried standing or walking when you pray? How about while driving your car? I’ve had some of my longest and most intimate prayer times while driving. What’s the best posture for prayer? I’d say whichever posture that best helps you express your heart and to focus your mind on the Lord.
PRAYER: Dear Father, as Jesus taught his disciples, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Our minds and bodies are prone to wander. Strengthen us to focus on You and to listen for Your voice when we pray. We want to grow in our prayer life. In Jesus’ name, amen.