October 5, 2003
I think kneeling is very important, an integral part of my personal worship experience, and I will continue to do it as long as my knees don't give out. It is a physical attitude that helps me focus on prayer and helps me realize there is someone out there bigger than I am. When I kneel, it is like a signal to my entire being that it is time to concentrate on God, not on the world.
-- The Rev. Sharon Henderson, Fairfax
Kneeling is valuable as an outward sign of an inward condition: humility, supplication, gratitude. I knelt in church for 40 years until I had two back surgeries and got overweight. Since then I slouch back half-sitting in the pew, just as the nuns told me not to do. Like Heinrich Heine on his deathbed, I believe that "God will forgive me, because it is his profession."
Not kneeling isn't a sin but rather a deprivation. I'd do it if I still could. It helps create a special atmosphere for prayer.
-- Jamie Yeager, Bethesda
The act of kneeling was instilled in me from parochial school days; however, as I got older, I noticed my grandmother would never kneel. When I asked her why, she said, "The Lord hears my prayers just as well because they're from my heart, not my knees." That always stuck with me. She was a very devout and kind and loving woman who suffered from arthritis. This may also have been the reason she couldn't kneel.
Sometimes I kneel, sometimes I don't; but I am always sincere in my prayer offerings and they come straight from my heart, not my knees.
-- Patricia Harvey, Washington
We do not kneel in my church, and I wish we did. Kneeling may not be necessary to reverent adoration, but it does promote a proper attitude.
God is holy and we are not. The Muslims recognize this fact when they prostrate themselves before Him in prayer. Unless we understand how very holy God is, and how very sinful we are, we will never fully understand the significance of the transaction which took place at Calvary.
-- Catherine Collins, Olney
Is kneeling important? Traditionally, kneeling is a more penitent posture, while standing is a more joyous, celebratory one. This is often why congregations (at least in the Episcopal church) kneel for the Eucharist during Lent and stand during Easter. It's a way for one to show outwardly what one believes inwardly.
Does it matter if one kneels? It matters only to the extent that it enhances one's personal relationship with God. If kneeling means nothing to you in worship, then stand or sit. I think God cares more about people trying to be faithful than posture.
-- The Rev. Kedron D. Jarvis, Herndon
Next month's question: Do you believe in the concept of sin, and if so, how do you find peace of mind after you have sinned? E-mail your answer (100 words or less) to voices@washpost.com. Include a daytime phone number. For more answers to today's question, go to www.washingtonpost.com/religion.
