Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that "both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him" (3SM 269.5). She emphasized that this act demonstrates our dependence upon God and shows reverence for His greatness and majesty. Throughout her writings, she consistently pointed to biblical examples to support this counsel. She noted that Jesus "kneeled down, and prayed" (GW 178), and that His disciples, Paul, Ezra, and Daniel all followed this practice of kneeling in prayer. She wrote, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (GW 178), citing Paul's example, and reminded readers that Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God" (GW 178). However, Ellen White made it clear that kneeling is not required in every prayer situation. She explained that "we must pray constantly, with a humble mind and a meek and lowly spirit. We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before God. We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be" (3SM 266). The compilers of her writings noted that "Ellen White did not intend to teach that on every prayer occasion we must kneel" (3SM 269.5). Her family testified that at the dining table, those present bowed their heads rather than their knees, and she was not known to kneel for benedictions at the close of services. The earnest counsel on kneeling appears to have its principal application in worship services in the house of God and in family and private devotions at home (3SM 269.5). Ellen White herself sometimes stood during prayers of consecration in church services, demonstrating that the heart attitude of reverence and humility is what matters most, though kneeling remains the customary and preferred posture when circumstances allow. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about reverence in worship and how it should be demonstrated? • How did Ellen White describe the importance of private devotional time with God? • What counsel did she give about prayer in daily life and maintaining constant communion with God?