Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
We are commanded to never stop praying. Pray without ceasing. There isn't a certain way that we have to pray. We simply must humble ourselves before the Lord, acknowledge His Lordship of our lives, and pray without ceasing. We can combine our faith with our movement, or put our "prayers in motion," with YogaFaith.
Throughout scripture, we see how prayer postures are elevated the meaning of the spoken prayer. Regardless of any posture you pray in, the most posture is truly the posture of the heart.
Here is our quick guide to prayer postures from "Stretching Your Faith" by Michelle Thielen, Founder of YogaFaith:
Standing
For praise, honor, thanksgiving, worship, adoration, reverence and awe: a deep respect. A place of strength and glorifying God.
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 Timothy 2:8
Seated
To inquire, seek counsel or guidance. Sit alone with God, and enjoy His presence. Converse and dialogue or simply meditate on your Heavenly Father. Submit, surrender, and let Him know you want to walk in obedience and serve Him.
As I was sitting in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell on me there, and who is ready to serve Him. Ezekiel 8:1
Kneeling
Humility, submission, honor and complete surrender. Supplications and petitions made known. Acknowledge Christ's Lordship over your life.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:10
Prone (on the belly)
Urgency, emergency, humility (releasing all ego), surrender, confession, repentance, desperate pleas or cries, intercessory prayer for others or standing in the gap.
Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:18
Lying Down
Resting and enjoying the presence and goodness of the Lord. Be still, quiet a busy mind and an anxious heart. Used to meditate on Him and His precepts.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Learn more about Postures of Prayer by visiting the YogaFaith website: https://yogafaith.org/postures-of-prayer/
Citation: Thielen, M. (2016). Stretching your faith: Practicing postures of prayer to create peace, balance and freedom: A self-leadership and spirit-led blueprint to experiencing lasting transformation. Lake Placid, NY: Aviva. doi:https://yogafaith.org/postures-of-prayer/
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