Kneeling is a physical posture often associated with prayer, worship, and submission in the biblical context. It is a gesture that signifies humility, reverence, and supplication before God. Throughout the Scriptures, kneeling is depicted as an expression of deep devotion and earnest petition.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, kneeling is frequently mentioned as a posture of prayer and worship. One notable instance is found in the life of Solomon. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon knelt in prayer before the entire assembly of Israel, spreading out his hands toward heaven (2 Chronicles 6:13). This act of kneeling underscored his humility and dependence on God as he sought divine blessing and guidance for the nation.

Another significant example is Daniel, who, despite the decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, continued his practice of kneeling three times a day in prayer, giving thanks to God (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's unwavering commitment to kneeling in prayer highlights the importance of this posture as an expression of faithfulness and devotion.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, kneeling continues to be a significant posture in the life of believers. Jesus Himself is depicted as kneeling in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. In a moment of deep anguish, He withdrew from His disciples, knelt down, and prayed, seeking the Father's will (Luke 22:41). This act of kneeling by Jesus exemplifies submission to God's will and the earnestness of His supplication.

The early church also practiced kneeling in prayer. In the book of Acts, Paul is described as kneeling in prayer with the Ephesian elders, demonstrating his deep emotional connection and commitment to them (Acts 20:36). Similarly, when Paul and the believers in Tyre prayed together, they knelt on the beach, highlighting the communal aspect of kneeling in prayer (Acts 21:5).

Theological Significance

Kneeling is more than a mere physical act; it is a profound expression of the heart's posture before God. It symbolizes submission, humility, and a recognition of God's sovereignty. In kneeling, believers acknowledge their dependence on God and their willingness to submit to His authority and guidance.

The act of kneeling also serves as a reminder of the believer's position before God. It is a physical manifestation of the inner attitude of reverence and awe that should characterize one's approach to the Almighty. Kneeling in prayer and worship is a tangible way to express the believer's devotion and earnestness in seeking God's presence and favor.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, kneeling remains a meaningful practice in personal and corporate worship. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for humility and submission in one's relationship with God. While the physical act of kneeling is not a requirement for prayer, it can enhance the spiritual experience by aligning the body with the heart's intent.

Incorporating kneeling into one's prayer life can deepen the sense of reverence and focus, helping to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God. Whether in private devotion or communal worship, kneeling can be a valuable expression of faith and a testament to the believer's commitment to honoring God with their whole being.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Kneel.5087. tithemi -- to place, lay, set
... set NASB Word Usage appointed (6), assign (2), committed (1), conceived (1), destined
(1), down* (4), falling (1), fixed (1), kept (1), kneeling* (2), knelt* (3 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5087.htm - 10k

1119. gonu -- the knee
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition the knee NASB Word Usage down* (4), feet
(1), knee (3), kneeling* (2), knees (3), knelt* (3). knee. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1119.htm - 6k

3766. kara -- to bow down
... bring him low (1), brought me very low (1), couches (2), crouch (1), feeble (1),
fell (1), kneel down (2), kneeled down (1), kneeled* (1), kneeling (1), kneels ...
/hebrew/3766.htm - 6k

1289. berak -- to kneel, bless
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to barak Definition to kneel, bless
NASB Word Usage blessed (4), kneeling (1). bless, kneel. ...
/hebrew/1289.htm - 6k

Of Kneeling.
... Chapter XXIII."Of Kneeling. In the matter of kneeling also prayer is subject
to diversity of observance, through the act of some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxiii of kneeling.htm

Knox in England: the Black Rubric: Exile: 1549-1554
... For example, the Prayer Book of Edward VI. at that time took for granted
kneeling as the appropriate attitude for communicants. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iv knox in england .htm

Forasmuch as There are Certain Persons who Kneel on the Lord's Day ...
... On Lord's days and at Pentecost all must pray standing and not kneeling. Hammond. ...
Paul prayed kneeling during the time between Pentecost and Easter. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xx forasmuch as there.htm

Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons.
... The fornicator will not be admitted to participation in the sacrament for seven
years; [2836] weeping two, hearing two, kneeling two, and standing one: in the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxvii to amphilochius the.htm

Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion
... Moreover, one must know that kneeling is necessary when he is about to arraign his
personal sins against God with supplication for their healing and forgiveness ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter xx formalities of prayer .htm

The Hilltops --Experiences of Gladness and Glory
... be. Yet there can be prayer "without ceasing." Prayer is an act, the kneeling,
and giving voice to the desires of our hearts. Then ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/4 the hilltopsexperiences of gladness.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... Kneeling."The changes of posture in the course of a service have value in relieving
weariness and in sustaining attention, but their chief significance is ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

The Sacrament of the Altar
... Amen. Then, kneeling or standing, say the creed and pray the Lord's Prayer. ... Amen.
Then, kneeling or standing, say the creed and pray the Lord's Prayer. ...
/.../luther/the small catechism of martin luther/vi the sacrament of the.htm

The Way.
... 'Good Master,' said the kneeling youth, and is interrupted by the Master:". 'Why
callest thou me good?' he returns. 'None is good save one, even God.'. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the way.htm

The Leper
... "And there cometh to Him a leper, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him,
and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 40-45 the leper.htm

Kneeling (12 Occurrences)
...Kneeling (12 Occurrences). Matthew 17:14 When they came to the multitude, a man
came to him, kneeling down to him, saying, (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV). ...
/k/kneeling.htm - 10k

Knee (12 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To supplicate by kneeling. Int. ... For kneeling (or prostrating one's self)
before a superior, see ATTITUDES, 2; SALUTATION. Burton Scott Easton. ...
/k/knee.htm - 12k

Kneel (10 Occurrences)
...Kneeling was less commonly an attitude of prayer among the Jews than was
standing, but references to kneeling are of course abundant. ...
/k/kneel.htm - 11k

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)
... We shall call attention to just four postures: (1) standing, (2) bowing,
(3) kneeling, and (4) falling on the face or prostration. ...
/a/attitudes.htm - 20k

Adoration
... 2. Kneeling: A substitute for prostration was kneeling, a common attitude in worship,
frequently mentioned in Old Testament and New Testament (eg 1 Kings 8:54 ...
/a/adoration.htm - 20k

Knelt (20 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Matthew 17:14 And when they came unto the multitude, there came
to him a man, kneeling down to him, (See NIV). Matthew 20 ...
/k/knelt.htm - 12k

Praying (71 Occurrences)
... Then, after kneeling down on the beach and praying, (WEY NAS). Acts 22:17 "After
my return to Jerusalem, and while praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance. ...
/p/praying.htm - 27k

Zebedee (11 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her
sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him. (WEB ...
/z/zebedee.htm - 11k

Kneeleth (1 Occurrence)

/k/kneeleth.htm - 6k

Kneels (1 Occurrence)

/k/kneels.htm - 6k

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