Required reading
Thoughts on public prayer by Samuel Miller (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 2.
My summary
Today Miller continues to explore the history of practices in public prayer.
Firstly Miller teaches us that responses in public prayer had no place in Christian worship for a number of centuries after Christ.
Secondly Miller explains the four different types of posture used in prayer during church history. They were:
(i) prostration;
(ii) kneeling;
(iii) bowing the head;
(iv) standing.
What grabbed me
Miller gave some good reasons for standing in prayer: 'In all Presbyterian churches standing is regarded as the appropriate posture in prayer at all times. This posture is recommended by a variety of considerations. (1.) It was evidently the apostolical and primitive plan. (2.) The first General Council, as we have seen, in the fourth century, enjoined it by a solemn canon. (3.) It is a posture expressive of respect and reverence. (4.) It is adapted to keep the worshipper wakeful and attentive; while the postures of kneeling and sitting are both favourable to drowsiness. '
The last reason is maybe the best!
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 3 by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'So much for the arguments usually adduced in favor of liturgies'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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