By Ellen G. White
I have received letters questioning me in regard to the proper attitude to be taken by a person offering prayer to the Sovereign of the universe. Where have our brethren obtained the idea that they should stand upon their feet when praying to God? One who has been educated for about five years in Battle Creek was asked to lead in prayer before Sister White should speak to the people. But as I beheld him standing upright upon his feet while his lips were about to open in prayer to God, my soul was stirred within me to give him an open rebuke. Calling him by name, I said, “Get down upon your knees.” This is the proper position always. 1NL 119.1
“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.” Luke 22:41. 1NL 119.2
“Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.” Acts 9:40. 1NL 119.3
“They stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59, 60. 1NL 119.4
“When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.” Acts 20:36. 1NL 119.5
“When we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.” Acts 21:5. 1NL 119.6
“At the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.” Ezra 9:5, 6. 1NL 119.7
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6. 1NL 119.8
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14. And this whole chapter will, if the heart is receptive, be as precious a lesson as we can learn. 1NL 119.9