"Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God and we are the people of
his pasture, the flock under his care."
When was the last time I was down on my knees? Probably to look for something that rolled under a piece of furniture.
When was the last time I bowed down in worship, even in my heart, except on Sunday mornings? Can I even remember?
These are simple enough acts of respect and worship, and yet likely none of us commits them as often as we know we should. Often, we give more lip service than kneeling service.
As a little girl growing up, I can remember peeking in my parents' doorway at night and seeing my mom on her knees. Later in her mid 80s, she still got down on those knees, stiff and sore, even though it was a struggle. The only thing that kept her from saying her prayers on her knees until her last breath was drawn was her immobility.
Why as a teenager was I embarrassed by her show of respect and humility before her Lord? Because I didn't understand perhaps, or because I didn't want to understand. The question begs some deep inward reflection.
Today, as a grandma and great-grandma, I pray every day but in a more comfortable position than on my knees. Do I have an excuse for not bowing down or kneeling? No.
Have we, in our too fast, instant messaging, texting world reached a point where we can't even take the time to humble ourselves before our Lord and Savior to raise our petitions in prayer? Perhaps we can hold off that next IM, Tweet or Facebook post for just a little while longer, and get down on our knees.
After all, God just gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ, to bleed and die on a cross for our sins. And we don't take the time to kneel and bow down? Isn't it time we think about what we who have been saved by the Blood of the Lamb could and should be doing to say thank you?
Maybe it's time to get our knees dirty and bow our heads down low.
Photo credit: Sprinkled Joy
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(Psst . . . I know today's Wednesday; I'm just late getting over to Write It, Girl.)
I only came to Christ as an adult about 5 or 6 years ago, and the past year or so has been especially challenging, as He was asking me to trust and follow, and I was digging in my heels in a big way.
ReplyDeleteI learned I had two choices: I could go to my knees in prayer to Him, or I could just be stubborn, and have to fall to my knees in despair.
More and more, I choose the proactive choice. ;-)
Kim, so nice to have you drop by. I enjoyed reading your story, and believe me, trusting and following is always a part of my day. It is had to live in this world and not be tempted to say, "Hold on!" I'm not ready for that today. I'm so glad you've chosen to be proactive -- it's so much easier on the body! :)
DeleteMmmm, so true Sherrey... "After all, God just gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ, to bleed and die on a cross for our sins. And we don't take the time to kneel and bow down?" The other night as I prayed I felt the Lord nudging me to get down on my knees, then I giggled to myself thinking I'm all alone in this room, just me and God, chatting like friends beside each other. Are the knees really necessary? And his reply was "No, it's not a necessity. It's a gift." I so want to give him a gift of gratitude and respect! Beautiful post. And lovely blog. So glad you posted before me at Write it Girl. :) God bless.
ReplyDeleteStacy, glad you posted write after me so we could meet up like this! I loved your sharing your story about the Lord nudging to get down and his response to your questioning that nudge! I like that -- "it's not a necessity, it's a gift." And we do need to give him that respect and gratitude. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteThank you. I've learned to slow down, making time for worship, but haven't been on my knees since my children were small. Kim makes an excellent point...choose to bow or get knocked down and have to get up...I choose the former rather than the latter. How nice to have discovered you at Write it, Girl. I"ll be back.
ReplyDeletePeace and good to you.
And how nice to be discovered by you! I too agree with Kim, and choose the former. I'm so glad you dropped in and will look forward to connecting here and on your blog as well. :)
DeleteSherry:
ReplyDeleteThis post really hits home with me. I, too, am guilty of praying in "comfortable" positions. While I am thankful He can (and does) hear our prayers whether we are kneeling, standing, or sitting, I do think there is something about bowing before Him.
Blessings,
Joan
Joan, I'm so glad you came by to share your thoughts. I too believe He hears however, wherever, whenever we lift our voices to Him -- I pray all day about something. And yet, I need to know that at some point I humble myself before Him. Hope you're having a blessed day!
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