Topical Bible: Prayer is Described as Bowing the Knees

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In the biblical context, prayer is often depicted as an act of humility and reverence, symbolized by the physical posture of bowing the knees. This gesture is a profound expression of submission and devotion to God, reflecting the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and majesty.

The act of bowing the knees in prayer is illustrated in several passages throughout the Scriptures. One of the most notable examples is found in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul describes his prayer posture in Ephesians 3:14: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father." Here, Paul emphasizes the earnestness and humility with which he approaches God, seeking divine wisdom and strength for the believers in Ephesus.

In the Old Testament, the practice of kneeling in prayer is also evident. King Solomon, during the dedication of the temple, is described as kneeling before the entire assembly of Israel as he spreads out his hands toward heaven in prayer (2 Chronicles 6:13). This act of kneeling signifies Solomon's recognition of God's greatness and his own dependence on divine guidance and blessing.

The prophet Daniel provides another example of this prayer posture. Despite the decree that forbade prayer to anyone except King Darius, Daniel continued his practice of kneeling in prayer three times a day, giving thanks to God (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's unwavering commitment to bowing his knees in prayer, even in the face of persecution, underscores the importance of this posture as an expression of faithfulness and devotion.

In the New Testament, the early church also embraced this practice. In Acts 20:36, Paul is described as kneeling down with all the believers to pray, demonstrating a communal act of worship and supplication. Similarly, in Acts 21:5, the disciples, along with their families, kneel on the beach to pray with Paul before his departure, highlighting the unity and shared faith among the early Christians.

The act of bowing the knees in prayer is not merely a physical gesture but a reflection of the heart's attitude. It signifies a deep reverence for God and a willingness to submit to His will. This posture serves as a reminder of the believer's dependence on God's grace and mercy, acknowledging that all blessings and guidance come from Him.

Throughout the Bible, bowing the knees in prayer is a powerful symbol of humility, devotion, and worship. It is an outward expression of an inward reality, where the believer's heart is aligned with God's purposes, seeking His presence and favor with a spirit of reverence and awe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 3:14
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Strength and Indwelling.
... this prayer as in ch. i., although the thought of Deity is found in the allusion
to bowing the knees. And in addition to God as the Father He is described as ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/viii strength and indwelling.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... at the opening of Morning and Evening Prayer, or at ... singing the glory of the Holy
Trinity." Bowing {106} at ... Those here described have come down to us from our ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

The Lord's Prayer
... are and whatever they are doing, and bowing their heads ... we could imagine what I have
just described to take ... we say the Confiteor, and indeed any prayer, we say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/the lords prayer.htm

Chapter xlviii
... debility of old age in the situation described at the ... fell down before him to the
ground," bowing his face ... that blessings are prayers, and that prayer is heard ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... the stars were accompanied by fasting, prayer, religious ceremonies ... Herod came in,
and then, after bowing before him ... they had seen, and Mensor described to him ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... Around this scene, and bowing in adoration before it ... transported in an active state
of prayer and meditation ... of this visionary journey will be described in its ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Cardinal Felix Bonpre Sat Alone in the Largest and Loneliest Room ...
... My House is called the house of prayer, but ye ... Aubrey Leigh"; he was dimly aware
of bowing, and of ... he was strangely troubled by hearing Sylvie described as "a ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxii cardinal felix bonpre sat.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... herein, like a tree loaded with fruit, bowing down its ... His last prayer, as he kneeled
by the block to receive ... and life have been so admirably described by his ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... Though Prayer-book and Rubrics remain the same, Church spirit in our day does ... They
ranked it, together with bowing at the name of Jesus and turning eastward at ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... This fear takes away their heart from all holy and godly prayer in private, and
from all holy and godly zeal for his name in public, and there be many ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm