Elliot Miller
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
In my bed, I often lie down on my back with my head propped up and pray to God.
- As I pray a lot, I was wondering if this is an acceptable posture for the core of my prayer life?
The reason why I am somewhat worried about this posture is that it might not be conducive to attention as much as other postures I could take . . . but here's another point: it's the only way to pray for long periods of time that doesn't prove to be tedious to me.
Thank you very much.
Elliot
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Seeing that I pray a lot, is lying down on my back with my head propped up a respectable posture? }
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Mike replied:
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Hi Elliot,
Your question is mainly a matter of personal preference. Different Catholics will have different views. This is my two cents.
Because we are talking about praying to the Lord, when possible, our posture should be a humble one. That said, this is not always possible.
Almost every day, while driving to work, I say a St. Joseph, the Worker, prayer before starting the work day. The key is not the posture but the disposition of the soul/mind while praying.
Any posture of prayer that could lead to something that is sinful should be avoided.
My colleagues may have a different take on this but that's mine.
Mike
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John replied:
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Elliot,
Prayer takes many forms. When we are talking about a non-liturgical setting and personal prayer, there is no prescribed posture.
We approach God with humility, but also as the Psalms tell us, with Thanksgiving, Praise, and confidence as well that, as His sons, we can boldly approach the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16) as St. John wrote . . . because we know He hears our prayers. (1 John 5:14) He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him in faith. (Hebrews 11:6)
Some people choose to kneel and certainly that's reverent but it's no superior to a position of praying while:
- walking
- on your back
- sitting, or
- standing.
The important thing is that we pray. Prayer is a two-way street, like any other conversation.
We need to listen as well.
John
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