“When we practice the prayer postures prescribed in Scripture, it helps us dream big, pray hard, and think long.”- Mark Batterson
Mark Batterson begins Chapter 13 (“The Greatest of Them All”) of The Circle Maker with a discussion of prayer postures. Pastor Batterson states that physical posture is like a prayer within a prayer. Scripture prescribes a wide variety of postures- kneeling, falling prostrate on one’s face, the laying on of hands, anointing someone’s head with oil- that help posture our hearts and minds.
Mark adds that “posture is to prayer as tone is to communication.” He believes the most powerful position on earth is the physical posture of kneeling coupled with a humble heart.
The author describes one of his favorite prayer postures- learned from the Quakers. Mark frequently utilizes this with his congregation. The congregation begins with hands down, symbolizing the things they need to let go of. Then the congregation turns its hands over in a position of receptivity, actively receiving what God wants to give.
For the prophet Daniel, prayer was his life. And his life was a prayer. Mark writes that Daniel approached every situation, challenge, opportunity, and person in a prayerful manner. Mark states that “prayer invites God into the equation, and when that happens, all bets are off.” That’s how Daniel, a prisoner of war, became prime minister of the country that took him captive.
Today’s question: What is your favorite prayer posture? Please share.
Coming Monday: the latest Short Meditation, “Expect great progress”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Prayer is priming”
