Does a church have the right to dictate how you pray?

The answer lies in the Bible. - “Prayer Positions” 

One would think the answer is no, but alas, why should it be a surprise that I even have a reason to be writing this article? 🤦‍♀️

Pedro Lima

Some churches are known for requiring or specifying specific prayer postures. I, however, do not believe a church has the right to dictate a person’s prayer position, for any reason. 

I consider it quite rude and controlling to do so. 

As well as it limits the Holy Spirit from being able to engage with that person fully if there is a demand or script to go along with prayer.

When I am praying, I do what my body tells me is right. By that I mean I might be in my office chilling and praying out loud to God, and something deep comes over me and I want to go to Him differently. I’ll move, and either bow my head, clasp my hands while sitting, lift my arms up to Him, go for a walk, or get on my knees. 

I do what I feel is needed in my prayers to God. It is a personal and intimate moment that is between just God and me, not a man.

I walked into a discussion about “how are we supposed to pray?” Well, that was soon followed up by being told (during a sermon) we were now being expected to pray a certain way, and anything less meant we were not doing it right according to the gospel of that pastor.

No explanations, and no verses to support doing just that one specific posture all the time. It was forced on us within the matter of a few seconds, and I watched as 97% of the congregation went along with it, like the pastor's word was God’s word.

This forced situation confused me to no end, and no, I did not comply.

The Bible gives us examples of many positions people have prayed in to God, He didn’t care what their body position was; He just cared about where their heart was positioned.

• King David went and sat down. 

• The Levites said stand up and praise God.

• Elijah paced back and forth.

• Nehemiah praised the Lord, and then they bowed down.

• Men lifting up their Holy hands in prayer.

• Peter got down on his knees.

• Moses prostrated himself before God.

• You can even keep your eyes open and look up when praying, Jesus did. 

• Then here, I spotted that Solomon stood at an altar with his arms spread out, and then he changed positions.

  
  

All sorts of positions are listed above, not one mentioned as superior to the other.

Next, we have Jesus teaching us how to pray. (who btw, prayed in a variety of different postures Himself)

When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray, it was words he taught them, not a posture. I don't read anywhere where He leads with “first you have to get in xxxx position, only then can you pray. 

No, He starts by saying, “This, then, is how you should pray,” and “When you pray, say:” 

In fact, Jesus doesn’t specify any particular position. I believe this is done for a reason — to stop churches and leaders from dictating how we are “supposed” to “pray properly.” 

Let’s not forget:

We are created in God’s image, He gave us abundant ways to communicate.

You're really going to unbiblically try and tell me I’m supposed to pray a certain way? I think not.

 It’s the position of the heart that matters when praying to God.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

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© Jane Isley

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