Is It Required to Always Kneel During Prayer?

Pr. Almodad Amos Yaragwiller

Introduction
There has been much debate recently about the correct posture during prayer. This debate seeks to determine whether we must always pray while kneeling, or if we can sit or stand and still have our prayers heard by God. This question is often raised by some members of the faith who, for their own personal understanding, have concluded that all prayers conducted in church should be done while kneeling. This discussion highlights the importance of prayer and its significance in the worship of the believer, both individually and as a community. People want to ensure that, in their practices, they are following God’s instructions completely, without error.

While some people within the church community firmly believe that kneeling is the mandatory posture for prayer, especially during corporate worship, it is important to understand that God’s hearing of our prayers transcends the physical posture we adopt. Nevertheless, it is also important to recognize that the desire to adhere strictly to what is perceived as the "correct way" to pray demonstrates great respect for this important aspect of the believer’s relationship with God. This discussion is not intended to diminish this reverence but to offer a broader understanding of the posture required during prayer according to inspired Scripture, which provides us with guidance from God.

Kneeling in Prayer
Numerous examples in the Bible show people kneeling in prayer, indicating that it was a significant and frequent practice. A notable example is Daniel, who prayed three times a day on his knees (Daniel 6:10). Likewise, Stephen prayed while kneeling before his martyrdom (Acts 7:60), and Peter knelt before resurrecting Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:40). Kneeling, as discussed in 1 Kings 1:13 in Hebrew, is referred to by the verb “kara” [כָּרַע (kā·rǎʿ)] – an act of prostration where one bows deeply until the head touches the ground or the knees. This act often symbolizes a voluntary surrender to God, a sign of humility and a return to the dust from which man was created.

Standing in Prayer
The tradition of standing before the Lord while praying was also widely practiced, even more so than kneeling. A prime example of this practice is found in 2 Chronicles 20, where the people of Judah stood before the Lord as King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, led them in a prayer asking God to deliver them from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (2 Chronicles 20:5, 13). The Bible also tells us that Hannah presented her prayer standing up, and it was answered (1 Samuel 1:26). Job also participated in prayer while standing (Job 30:20).

Although Jesus rebuked the hypocrisy of those who prayed standing in public to be seen (Matthew 6:5), He did not condemn standing while praying. Rather, He condemned the hypocrisy of seeking attention. In fact, Jesus affirmed standing prayer when He instructed His disciples, "And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25). Standing during prayer may carry a meaning that emphasizes the opportunity humans have to approach God with their needs, knowing that God is a friend to whom we can approach and converse, much like one might stand before a king to present a request. This posture signifies the recognition of God as the King of the universe and the appreciation of the privilege of seeking His guidance and blessings.

Sitting in Prayer
Although not as common, the Bible records instances where people prayed while sitting. For instance, King David entered and sat before the Lord and prayed (2 Samuel 7:18). This posture often signified a readiness to seek and receive instructions from the Lord, often through a prophet (e.g., 2 Kings 4:38; Ezekiel 8:1; 33:31), and being willing to serve.

Lying Down
Prayers were also offered while lying in bed, particularly at night. In these moments, people remembered the Lord and reflected on Him (Psalm 4:4; 63:6). Sometimes, a person would bow or stretch out in bed to pray (1 Kings 1:47). Praying while lying down emphasizes reflection and entering into prayer, offering an opportunity to meditate on God’s goodness and seek His help in the tranquility of the night. When considering this in the light of the revelations of Ellen G. White, “prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend,” reminding us that prayer is more about the direction of the heart toward God than the physical posture.

Prostration (Lying Flat)
This posture involved lying flat on the ground, often with arms extended. Although this was occasionally associated with prayer (1 Kings 1:47; Mark 14:35), it was primarily a demonstration of the highest form of humility. The Greek term "pipto" [πίπτω (piptō)] describes this action—lying down completely and stretching out. This practice was often seen when people sought the favor of the king, as they would lie prostrate as a sign of humility and a presentation of urgent needs (2 Samuel 14:4). In a religious context, prostration represented an act of worship, underscoring the belief that God is the source and sustainer of life (see Joshua 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:14).

Conclusion
A careful study of the Scriptures shows that there was no single, prescribed posture for all occasions of prayer. Instead, different postures were used as outward expressions of respect, inner feelings, and total surrender to God. These various postures revealed different facets of the experience of prayer, and no particular posture was rejected by God.

Ellen G. White frequently emphasized kneeling in prayer, encouraging that it was an opportunity to demonstrate dependence on God. She wrote, “In public and private worship, it is our privilege to kneel and offer our prayers to God” (Gospel Workers, p. 178). She added, “In public and private worship, it is our duty to kneel in prayer before God. This act signifies our dependence upon Him” (Special Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 312).

However, these statements should not be used to teach that kneeling is the only acceptable posture for public prayer. Ellen G. White herself clarified that it is not always necessary to kneel when praying (Ministry of Healing, pp. 510-511). Her own participation in public worship sometimes included times when she asked the congregation to stand for a consecration prayer (Special Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 268-269), at other times asking them to remain seated during prayer (ibid., pp. 267-268), or kneel (Special Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 148-149). This shows that Ellen G. White did not consider kneeling to be the only posture for prayer in public worship. Furthermore, her personal practice sometimes included praying while seated in bed (Review & Herald, December 13, 1906).

In conclusion, based on the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White, we can say that there are various postures we can adopt during prayer, and the importance of one posture does not diminish the validity of another. God hears the prayers of those who open their hearts to Him, whether they are sitting, standing, or kneeling. Since worship should follow an orderly practice, it is important that when a community of believers gathers to seek the Lord, they follow the customary order of worship accepted by the participating worshippers.

Therefore, we can confidently assert, with a clear understanding of the Scriptures, that choosing one posture for prayer and treating it as the best and most required posture above all others has no basis in the inspired Scripture.