Were you aware of the fact that standing was the usual posture when praying - for the Jews as well as the early Christian Church? In fact, according to Matthew Henry, the Jews called their prayings - their "standings." They would express it by saying that the world is kept up by prayer - or the world is kept up by "standings." 

 

 

There are three particular instances in the Bible when people stood before the Lord in prayer.

 

Let's examine each of them closely and see what results followed.

 

 

Luke 18:11 says - "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican."

Matthew 6:5 says - "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

 

Prayer to the Pharisee was an avenue for him to be seen of men. He especially looked for public places where crowds assembled or for a place of eminence so that he could voice his many prayers and draw attention to himself.

 

When in prayer, he was sure to stand apart from any others whom he thought were less than himself or were contaminating, polluting, or disgraceful as the publican. He also stood apart so as to strike an attitude of pride and self-confidence. His entire focus was self rather than God. 

 

 

Luke 18:13 says - "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."

 

This man also "stood" in prayer. The Scripture says that he "stood afar off" - not because he thought that he was better than the Pharisee and didn't want any contact with him lest he become defiled. He "stood" remote from the other worshippers because he felt so unworthy to draw near.

 

It is recorded that the place of prayer was the court of women. The Pharisee drew closest to the side of the court nearest to the temple. The publican - on the other hand - stood on the other side of the same court as far as possible from the temple - being conscious of his utter unworthiness to approach the sacred place where God's Presence resided.  

 

 

Psalm 134:1 says - "Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD."

Psalm 135:2 says - "Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God."

 

By day and by night, the priests and the Levites "stood" and ministered to the Lord in prayer and praise. They kept up a constant watch.

 

It is especially noteworthy that they devoted the night or part of the night to praise. In the silence of the night when others were sleeping, they were faithful in offering up their "sacrifice of praise" to Him. 

 

 

The Publican "stood" to make a proud statement.

The publican "stood afar off" in shame for his sinful ways.

The priests and Levites "stood" in ministry to the Lord.

 

Notice that they all "stood in the courts of the house of the Lord." In other words, their purpose was to draw near to God in some way or for a designated purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And when it comes to answered prayer - attitude means everything!