Daniel knelt when he prayed.
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to
his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day
he got down on his knees and prayed,
giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10
The closing of
eyes and bowing of heads represents humility.
If a king walked into the room, the servants diverted their eyes, feeling
unworthy to make eye contact with royalty.
The folding of
hands and the bowing of knees represents surrender. If a hand is folded into another hand, it is
empty of any weapons and ready for the service of the captor. Kneeling down, a person cannot run away
quickly but stays put until told he could move.
These positions
should represent the heart of the one praying.
Humility and surrender.
You don’t have to
put your body into that position unless it reminds your heart to be in that
position. If kneeling help you to be
more humble, go for it.
Closing of eyes is
usually a good tactic because it shuts out distractions. When you close your eyes, you can picture the
conversation between you and God better.
While it has its advantages, it’s not necessary for God to hear you.
While it's not necessary to do these things when you pray, remember
this. Bowing is the common position in
heaven.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest
place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
So if closing your eyes, kneeling, bowing and folding your hands helps you to pray, go for it. Just make sure it's not just a position of your body, but a reflection of your heart.