Uplifted Upright Petitions

Wow! It sure seems like a long week, but I have been thinking and praying about writing this post for several days.  I have been discussing the 4 positions of prayer: face-down, kneeling, sitting and finally standing. I have two examples to share from the Bible about prayers being offered while standing. 1Kings 8:22-23  describes King Solomon as he prayed before the newly built temple in Jerusalem. “Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart,”.   Jesus also spoke about praying while standing up in Mark 11:24-25 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (ESV)
When I started blogging about prayer, I stated that most of the time I prayed while being seated as I like to keep a prayer journal.  Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been trying out praying in different positions.  When I first started standing to pray, it felt awkward, but as I have persisted it has become more natural.  What I did was to incorporate standing with walking and use my morning walk time as prayer time.  At first I was horribly distracted and had a hard time focusing my thoughts.  But as I have continued, it has become easier and I don’t seem to lose my place or thoughts as often.  It also lends itself to more of a conversational style of praying, and I seem to be able to express my feelings and concerns to God in a more in-depth way.
What ever way we pray- the important thing is to PRAY.  I still like to keep a prayer journal so I do that every few days, but it is freeing to not be locked into just one way or place to pray!  I pray that you will feel more open to changing up your prayer life and making it a time of active interaction with the Lord God Almighty.  Our instructions in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18  are “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Where we pray is up to us- but we are to pray!
Blessings as you present your thanks and petitions to God,
Linda