PRAYER is expressed dependence upon God, either in the heart or with the lips. The Christian should seek to be led in his requests, i.e., to pray in the Holy Ghost, and in a spirit of subjection, but yet with holy confidence. The first allusion to prayer in the Scriptures seems to be in Gen. 20:7, when God spoke to Abimelech and said Abraham should pray for him and his house; and we learn, by verse 17, that Abraham did so effectually.
Gen. 24:63 records the fact of Isaac going into the field to meditate (pray, see margin). The first recorded prayer is that of Abraham’s servant (Eliezer) in Gen. 24:12, &c., and it is remarkable for its simplicity and directness: moreover, it brought an immediate answer thereto. Moses’ prayers were mostly intercessory; see Num. 11:2, 21:7; Deut. 9:20 (for Aaron), the one exception being found in Deut. 3:25, 26, which was personal and was not granted.
Hannah’s prayer (1 Sam. 1:10) was remarkable for its definiteness; and she acted as we are exhorted to do in Phil. 4, and went away enjoying the peace of God. Indeed her action accorded more especially with 1 John 5:14, 15, and she was not disappointed. God chose Job to pray for his friends (chap, 42:8) and accepted him. Samuel also prayed acceptably (see 1 Sam, 12:16, &c.). The prayer of Jabez in 1 Chron. 4:10 is remarkable for its brevity and directness, and was granted.
Jacob’s two prayers in Gen. 32:9-12, 24-29, are remarkable for their pointedness, and were both answered. Other notable examples might be given connected with the histories of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Ezra, and Nehemiah, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah (2 Chron. 32:20 to 22), Jeremiah, Jonah, and Daniel.
Much is said in the New Testament about prayer, and many wonderful examples are to be found which it would be very profitable to search out. The Lord’s prayers, for instance, from His baptism (Luke 3:21) onward to the garden (Matt. 26:39, and Luke 22:34), with many others; Peter, in Acts 9:40; Cornelius, in Acts 10:2, 4, 31; Saul of Tarsus, in Acts 9:11, and 28:8. Prayer and praise (or worship) are distinct exercises, although the latter sometimes partakes partly of the character of the former.
While it is desirable to avoid formality, the question of attitude in prayer should not be lightly passed over. Attitude must of necessity accord with the circumstances of the moment; for example, one may be truly looking to God and praying when walking in the street, seated at the desk, working in the fields, or lying in bed; but, in the privacy of one’s own room, or, indeed, whenever convenient, kneeling is, undoubtedly, the proper and becoming attitude (2 Chron. 6:13; Dan. 6:10; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60, 9:40, 20:36, 21:5; all bear this out). In a congregation, standing appears to be a very proper attitude for men, and is justified by Scripture, as in 1 Chron. 23:30; Mark 11:25. Eliezer stood and prayed in Gen. 24:13. Sitting in prayer is not so much as mentioned; and, therefore, not even contemplated in a congregation. Does it not savor of irreverence? If a petition were being presented to the king, everyone would either stand or kneel. Should we show less deference to the King of kings because He has been pleased to act in such wondrous grace and make us His children? No one would presume to sit, much less to loll about, when taking part in making petition to Edward VII. Let us weigh these things.
It is of all importance that those taking part in a prayer meeting, viz., when acting as the mouthpiece of others, that they should speak audibly and distinctly. They should therefore stand or kneel in such a position as, if possible, to face the others, so that there might be nothing to obstruct, and that all might hear without effort, and thus be enabled to say Amen, which otherwise they could not do. Furthermore, it should be remembered that some people are afflicted with deafness, in various degrees, and we are exhorted to “consider one another” (Eccles. 5:2; Matt. 6:7, 8, 7:7, 8; Phil. 4:6, 7; Jas. 5:17, 18).
G. R. W.
Whilst cordially agreeing with the writer as to the need of greater reverence both in style and attitude, yet there are some who through bodily infirmity are not able to kneel; especially is this so when the prayers are long, as is unfortunately too often the case. The prayers to which our attention has been drawn in this article were all brief and to the point. We are thankful to be reminded of this point of practical detail.
―ED.