Bible Reading: Matthew 26:39
In Matthew 26:39 we read about one of the many times when Jesus prayed. This verse says, “Going a little farther, he [Jesus] fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My
Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”
Notice that in this verse Jesus prayed with his face on the ground. Does that mean that God won’t hear our prayers unless we pray with our faces on the ground?
God didn’t listen to Jesus’ prayer because of the position of Jesus’ body. God listened to Jesus’ prayer because of the condition of Jesus heart. Jesus prayed to God with a heart and mind that was willing to accept whatever answer God decided to give. He was willing to do things God’s way, even if he had to suffer as a result of doing things God’s way.
Kneeling, bowing the head, and turning the eyes toward the floor are positions that show humility. They show God and other people that we are willing to tell God our needs, trust him to know the best way to answer our prayer, and accept his decision – even if we aren’t sure we like it.
Whether we sit, stand, kneel, or lie down, God will gladly listen to our prayers if we come to him willing to admit our wrongs, ask his forgiveness, and submit to his way of answering our prayers.
Stop worrying about the position of your prayers and focus on the condition of your heart.
“During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to have an attitude of reverent submission, just like Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.