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 physical act is a sign of our dependence on God and a necessary expression of reverence. In her counsel, she frequently pointed to the examples found in Scripture to support this practice. She noted that "Jesus, our example, 'kneeled down, and prayed'" (GW 178). She also highlighted that the disciples, as well as figures like Stephen, Paul, Ezra, and Daniel, all knelt when they offered their petitions to the Lord (PaM 181.2). For Ellen White, this posture was a response to the majesty of God, and she expressed concern that there was "a growing lack of reverence for our maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and His majesty" (3SM 269.5). While she held strong views on the importance of kneeling during formal worship—even once rebuking a person for standing during a public prayer by saying, "Get down upon your knees" (1NL 119)—she also clarified that kneeling is not required for every prayer occasion. She explained that We need not wait for an opportunity to kneel before Godbecause "We can pray and talk with the Lord wherever we may be" (3SM 266). This includes praying while walking, working, or during the night (3SM 269.5). Her own life provided a balanced example of these principles. While she advocated for kneeling in the house of God and in family and private devotions at home,her family testified that at the dining table they bowed their heads rather than their knees (3SM 269.5). Furthermore, there were documented instances in her public ministry where she and the congregation stood for prayers of consecration (3SM 266). For practical application, this means that while kneeling is the standard for formal periods of worship to show respect to the "Sovereign of the universe" (1NL 119), the Christian should maintain a spirit of prayer in all settings. The goal is to approach God with "reverence and Godly fear with devotional love" (3SM 269.5), whether in a dedicated posture of prayer or while engaged in the duties of the day. In summary, Ellen White viewed kneeling as the proper and dutiful position for formal public and private worship, yet she recognized that the heart can be lifted to God in any place or posture when circumstances require it. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the importance of reverence in the house of God? • How did she describe the practice of "silent prayer" or "mental prayer" during daily activities? • What specific counsel did she give regarding the length and nature of public prayers?