The Method of Prayer
The Method of Prayer (By Tim Klink of Prison Discipleship Ministry)
What is the proper position of the body for prayer? That question has been asked many times. To understand what is “proper” one must realize how we are created.
Genesis 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
God took dust, not dirt, but dust which has absolutely no value in itself, and formed man’s body; every intricate detail. Then God breathed into man and the body became a living soul. Man’s body became the “house” for man’s soul. The body is physical and will return to dust, but man’s soul will live forever because it is from God who lives forever. Man is the only one created with the breath of God in him. Man’s soul is the spiritual part within him that is capable of communicating with God, Who is Spirit.
So, if it is man’s soul that communicates with God, the position of the soul in prayer is actually what is important, not the position of the body. Scripture is filled with examples of men praying in all different bodily positions. Jesus Himself stood, knelt, and fell on the ground in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter prayed a two word prayer while walking on the water with Jesus. Daniel prayed three times a day inside of his open window. Elijah sat praying with his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his hands. The thief prayed while hanging on a cross. And, if you or I are driving down a very steep hill and suddenly discover the brakes on the car do not work, our prayer would be immediate, as well as heard, regardless of the position our body is in.
Each one of those examples had one thing in common. Their heart, or soul, was in a proper relationship with God. They all had a need which was in need of fulfilling, and they all came to God humbly, respectfully, and submissive to whatever God’s response was.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
We are to be in the attitude of prayer constantly, which includes listening for God. We can position our body to express what our soul is communicating, but prayer comes from the soul of man. Just pray!