The humanistic viewpoint that standing is irrelevant should be regarded as without merit, for it has no solid biblical support. If you are in opposition to the question of “standing and praying,” you shall have the opportunity to investigate the subtle leading of Old Testament and New Testament prophets, apostles, angels, saints, and Christ Himself as they lay witness to God’s design. Private praying in adoration of God while standing is the proper protocol before the Father and the Prince of peace, Jesus Christ! If you are not sure of this truth, I will say that you are not alone in your questions, strong concerns, or—for some— denial of the efficacy of standing and praying intimately the private prayer God longs for... 156 • THE TABERNACLE There are many who disagree, so it is right that we lay the proper historical foundation from a basis settled long ago in Jewish tradition. Most of us who read these materials are Gentiles, needing only to pause and reflect that we too have been grafted into the olive tree (the Jewish tradition and teaching). We too, therefore, are bound up in and by these truths to understand and receive our mercies, grace, and adherence to ancient statute and testimony. It will be to our advantage to discover together as much as we can concerning the Word of God as it reveals a history of “standing.” This controversial subject is wonder-filled and lightning-hot. It should be that way, for it is a sad reality that the twenty-first-century man has lost his sense of propriety, his plumb for proper prayer. The prayer of praise, worship, and the hallowing of God’s name is a mysterious step into the throne room in heaven itself. This posture will support the ablest form of presentation of one’s spiritual self at court. The Greek word for this sort of formality, as we have said, is prosago. This term speaks of the One who comes into court alongside His dependent, His friend, and presents the subject to the King. Because it is unfamiliar, as we view this celebration, we come with our fear of acceptance and belonging. We are not the ones coming to court on a regular basis, so we are struck to our knees, bowing, kneeling, and groveling when we do come. We have little biblical basis to rely on concerning the proper approach to a distant God we may view as strict within a relational setting. Consider a scene out of a movie depicting a young man courting a young lady in her home for the first time. The father looks down his nose at the youngster who is trying to be bright and proper, forgetting that in a short time he will be the son... THE WATCH • 157 of the master. We are the sons and daughters of the King who delights at our appearance, whose desire is that we stand with the family, members of the family, one with the royal order. You did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:6–7). Standing is a must for the ones who understand the enemy’s view, for it is Satan who has his methods of entering the mind with lies, often begun with good thoughts of the well-being of others, soon spoiling and carrying one off into the futility of the mind. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2–3). While attentive to God, a wandering mind soon yields to thought-life snares that neutralize the progress of bringing our sacrifice, our holy praise to the Father. Having made these points, we acknowledge that “praying privately” could be done in any other position under the sun. God will always accept your offering at whichever station you have reached, that place which you are best capable of bringing Him love. If you are 158 • THE TABERNACLE more comfortable praising Him on your knees, go for it. Prayer, praise, and worship are spiritual; we are called to pray and worship in the Spirit.