The question of posture in prayer is one of importance in view of present tendencies toward irregularity, slackness, and irreverence in this line in our public meetings. I well remember when under nearly all circumstances ministers and people knelt in prayer. I presume it would have been considered sacrilegious for one not to do so. Now it is not an uncommon thing for a minister at a camp meeting, and sometimes in other large meetings, to say, "Owing to the unfavorable conditions, we will stand while prayer is being offered." Indeed, we seem to have come to a time in our work when in some sections this is the prevailing attitude in prayer.
I would not suggest that it is wrong to stand if, in this attitude of prayer, reverence and proper decorum be maintained; but other developments have come in that have tended toward confusion. Uniformity of practice is lacking. For example, a uniform posture for prayer on the part of the ministers as they go onto the rostrum, especially at our large gatherings, is obviously important. Some have agreed to one form in one section, and to another posture in other sections. In each meeting there should be earnest endeavor to hold to a uniform plan, thus to avoid confusion.
Sometimes a minister who is asked to lead in prayer, steps forward and says, "Let us pray," without definitely stating whether the congregation shall stand or kneel. Thus the people are left in doubt. Another minister may announce, "While engaged in prayer, let the ministers on the platform kneel and the congregation stand." This plan has worked very well, but when another minister at another service in the same camp meeting says to the people, "Let us pray," without making a definite announcement, both ministers and people are in doubt as to what the attitude should be. Much to my embarrassment, I witnessed an incident like this. The minister stepped forward and said, "Let us bow in prayer," not specifying whether he meant by kneeling or by bowing the head while standing or being seated. Having observed various attitudes in the past, the entire assembly was in confusion. A goodly number remained standing, some sat down and bowed their heads, and others knelt. Part of the ministers on the platform stood, and part of them knelt down.
We have only come into this confusion in recent years, but I fear that it will increase unless in the various fields there is a definite plan outlined with reference to posture in prayer.
If the people are not informed that one definite plan will be followed, the minister leading in prayer should be expected to make a clear and definite statement relative to the posture to be observed, in order to avoid confusion and seeming irreverence. It cannot be pleasing to God to have indefiniteness in this matter. If we do not hold to a denominational uniformity, we should have a clear understanding in our various fields, or at least in our various congregations.
Walla Walla, Wash.
