Practicalities of prayer

Scripture stresses the importance of prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 KJV 1900

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

See also Ac 6:3–4; Ro 12:12

Judgment comes on those who do not pray

Psalm 79:6 KJV 1900

Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, And upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.

See also Ps 53:4; Je 10:21; Zep 1:4–6; Jas 4:2

Prayers should be expressed simply

Matthew 6:7–8 KJV 1900

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

See also Ec 5:1–3; Lk 18:9–14

Prayer should not be ostentatious

Matthew 6:5–6 KJV 1900

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

See also Mt 14:23; Lk 5:16

Physical positions for prayer

Sitting while praying

2 Samuel 7:18 KJV 1900

Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

See also Jdg 20:26; Ne 1:4

Kneeling while praying

Luke 22:41 KJV 1900

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

See also 1 Ki 8:54; 2 Ch 6:13; Ezr 9:5; Ac 9:40; Ac 21:5; Eph 3:14

Standing while praying

1 Kings 8:22 KJV 1900

And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

See also 1 Sa 1:26; Mk 11:25

Lying prostrate while praying

2 Chronicles 20:18 KJV 1900

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord.

See also Ge 24:52; Nu 20:6

Praying with arms outstretched

Ex 9:29; Is 1:15

See also 1 Ki 8:54; 2 Ch 6:13

Praying with hands raised

1 Timothy 2:8 KJV 1900

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

See also Ex 9:29; 1 Ki 8:22; 1 Ki 8:54; Ps 63:4; Ps 77:1–2

Prayer can be offered at any time

Praying several times a day

Daniel 6:10 KJV 1900

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

See also Ps 55:17; Ps 88:1

Praying early in the morning

Mark 1:35 KJV 1900

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

See also Ps 5:3; Ps 119:147

Praying all night

Luke 6:12 KJV 1900

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

See also 1 Sa 15:11; Lk 2:37

Prayer is not confined to any single place

John 4:21–24 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Praying inside a building

Da 6:10; Mt 6:6

See also 1 Ki 8:28–30

Praying outside a building

Mk 1:35; Lk 5:16

See also Ac 10:9; Ac 21:5

Prayer may be accompanied by fasting

Acts 13:2–3 KJV 1900

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

See also Ezr 8:23; Ne 1:4; Ps 35:13; Da 9:3; Lk 2:37; Lk 5:33; Ac 14:23; Mt 17:21