Kneeling

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Chuck1

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Hi I was wondering why we kneel when we pray weather it’s at church or at home but is it better to kneel then not or kneel just in church and not at home ?
If that makes any sense ?
 
Kneeling is a good position of prayer at any time. By being in a position of prayer, it is easier to pray. Of course you don’t have to kneel in private prayers. It is mainly preference - what makes it easier to pray. But that normally just means kneeling…IMO
 
It’s a position of humility, for instance, there was a tendency to kneel before princes and kings. It is a physical language that is customary, but humility and respect can be expressed in other ways, most authentically in the heart and mind.
 
For western Catholics, kneeling is a sign of our humbleness before God. We can pray in any position and use several during the Mass (standing, sitting, etc.) Whatever helps you focus is best for your private prayer.

As an aside, I was told by an Eastern Catholic that they consider kneeling a sign of penitence and don’t use it during their Divine Liturgies which they consider times of celebration.

Neither way is wrong - just different ephases in the different traditions.

Gem
 
Trishie said:
It’s a position of humility, for instance, there was a tendency to kneel before princes and kings. It is a physical language that is customary, but humility and respect can be expressed in other ways, most authentically in the heart and mind.
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I agree with this, its just another physical sign or respect and reverence to God.I wont stand while talking with God, I will prostrate (as in prostrating:thumbsup:) in front of Him because I am His subject He my king
 
I’ve often wondered this.

I find that kneeling is ok for short prayers, however if I am planning on praying the rosary I get uncomfortable and cannot concentrate fully on what I’m praying.

I think that Jesus and Our Lady do not mind if I sit comfortably while praying, I hope they’d rather a prayer in which I had my full concentration - mind/heart - rather than only half as I struggle to get comfortable.
 
As another poster said, to some extent what kneeling means depends on your tradition.

I would say that in general with private prayers, the main thing is to be consistent in your rule. If you find kneeling a good way to pray, then do it. If it doesn’t work well for you (bad knees, or whatever) then find another way. THe main thing is you want a position you can stay in for some time without being too distracted or having to adjust yourself.

Some people will kneel for their personal confession to God at the end of the day, and sit for the rest of their prayers.
 
In a liturgical ceremony one should follow the rubrics. Otherwise, one may choose ones position. An old Jesuit once told us that - if we want to do penance we should kneel; if we want to chat with God get comfortable.
 
As a child, and to the present day I kneel,before entering the pew,no matter how hard
it may be for to get down or back up, I will show revence to my LORD present in the Tabanecle, plus, I pray to JESUS, and than get back up,and enter the pew. For JESUS
gave his life for me & all of us
For it is said, that no matter weather here on earth or in Heavan,or in hell,All shall bow
be for the LORD are GOD.
Code: 
                                 GOD BLESS


                       :signofcross:
 
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