Strength to Kneel

Okay, so I admit I am a bit out of shape. There I said it. Strength is definitely an area I could use some improvement in…but…one thing I have discovered working-out cannot prepare me for nor get me used to is kneeling.

You see, recently I have been participating for the first time ever as a Group Leader in Bible Study Fellowship. In our various leadership meetings, we do something I honestly have not done in far too long. We kneel and pray.

Often the floor we are kneeling on is basically concrete covered in a nice shiny thin layer of linoleum. (I now bring a pillow to kneel on, as many of the others do.) I didn’t think much of kneeling until I actually started doing it regularly during our leadership prayer times. Kneeling is truly humbling.

It not only lowers my position and posture in reverence, but it also reminds me of just how weak I am. In this case, physically weak, though my physical pains cause me to recognize how much my heart is out of shape in the prayer and humility arenas.

Additionally, I am reminded that we often get so caught up living in a self-absorbed world of thinking we know what is best for us that we become too weak to kneel in humble reverence and submission to the One who created us.

The One who alone can give us the strength we need to endure the difficulties of this life. The One who can give us the strength to admit when we are wrong and turn away from our self-indulgent, destructive lifestyle so many have fallen victim to. The One who can give us the strength to kneel.

When was the last time you knelt in prayer? Ever? Do you, like me, need strength to kneel? Go now to the One who made you—Jesus Christ—the only One who can give you the strength and wisdom you need to face the many challenges of this life.

Memory Verse:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
– James 4:10 (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:
“Dear Father, I come to You now lifting my weaknesses up to You. I ask You, Lord, to help me to be humble as I kneel my heart and knees before You. Please give me Your strength and wisdom as I face the many challenges in my life. Shine Your light through me so that others will see You in me and glorify You alone because of the amazing peace and provision that You provide….”

Contributing Writer:
Haelie Heard