August 17, 14 days ago, I resolved to spend more time with the Lord in prayer.
August 23, 1 week ago yesterday, I challenged the readers of my devotions to do the same.
It has not been easy adding the afternoon prayertime, but it was not wasted time. This week I added a new position of prayer…
Prostrate: lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downward. Face down on the ground in humility, submission, or adoration.
Now while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large assembly, men, women and children, gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept bitterly.
Ezra 10:1 NASB
Prostrate prayer is hard. Laying flat on my stomach, hands stretched out to the side, nose sinking into the carpet, very uncomfortable position but it is humbling. How much lower could I possibly go in reverence of Holy God. I wanted God to know He was worthy of my bowing and bending of knee.
Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. He said, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession.”
Exodus 34:8-9 NASB
Moses knew. He ran to bow low and worship God.
This painful position of prayer reminded me of Christ’s painful sacrifice on my behalf. This painful position also made me aware that walking with God comes with persecution, with suffering so I must trust Him.
Humble reverence to the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Almighty God, our future, our hope, our strength.
🌹He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 That is what prostrating prayer has taught me.
Continually Seeking Him,
Sharon