FACE UP

Congregationalist

Vol. 16 No. 7         
July 4, 2017
Dear Friend,

We know that God hears our prayers regardless of our physical posture.
At the same time, physical posture can help us focus on our Lord.
Many of the people appearing in the Bible are looking down when they pray:

“…and when they heard that the LORD had given heed to the Israelites and that he had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped” (Exodus 4:31).
 “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6).

We face down typically because are just used to doing it.  We look down out of humility and reverence.  We are in the presence of the majestic, almighty, holy God. We also bow our heads in confession, contrition, and repentance.
On the other hand, there are others in the Bible who looked up when they prayed:

Eliphaz to Job: “Then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and lift up your face to God” (Job 22:26).
 “So, they took away the stone.  And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me” (John 11:41).

Even if you usually bow your head, I urge you occasionally to turn your face up to your Lord when you pray. In just the way we love to make eye contact with those with whom we talk, you will enjoy looking up and loving the Lord who loves you. Face up!

Joy to you – 
E. Stanley Ott                                 
Building One Another

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