Topical Bible: Prayer: Postures in Falling on the Face

◄ Prayer: Postures in Falling on the Face ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the act of falling on one's face during prayer is a profound expression of humility, reverence, and submission before God. This posture is depicted in several instances throughout Scripture, signifying a deep acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority.

Old Testament Instances

1. Abraham: In Genesis 17:3, when God appeared to Abram to establish His covenant, "Abram fell facedown, and God spoke with him." This act of falling on his face demonstrated Abram's reverence and readiness to receive God's promises and instructions.

2. Moses and Aaron: In Numbers 16:22, during the rebellion of Korah, Moses and Aaron "fell facedown and cried out, 'O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will You be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?'" Their posture reflected their intercession and plea for mercy on behalf of the people.

3. Joshua: After the defeat at Ai, Joshua 7:6 records, "Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD until evening, both he and the elders of Israel, and they put dust on their heads." This act was one of mourning and seeking guidance from God in a time of crisis.

4. Ezekiel: The prophet Ezekiel frequently fell on his face in response to divine visions. In Ezekiel 1:28, after witnessing the glory of the LORD, he states, "When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking." This posture was a response to the overwhelming presence and majesty of God.

New Testament Instances

1. Jesus in Gethsemane: In Matthew 26:39, during His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus "fell facedown and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.'" This moment of deep anguish and submission highlights the intensity of His prayer and His obedience to the Father's will.

2. The Leper: In Matthew 8:2, a leper approached Jesus, "knelt before Him and said, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'" While the text does not explicitly state "falling on the face," the act of kneeling is closely related and signifies humility and faith in Jesus' power to heal.

3. The Disciples at the Transfiguration: During the Transfiguration, when the disciples heard the voice of God, Matthew 17:6 records, "When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified." This reaction was one of awe and fear in the presence of divine glory.

Theological Significance

Falling on the face in prayer is a physical manifestation of an inner spiritual reality. It conveys a recognition of God's supreme authority and an acknowledgment of human unworthiness. This posture is often associated with moments of intense prayer, repentance, and divine encounter. It serves as a reminder of the appropriate attitude one should have when approaching the Almighty—one of humility, reverence, and submission.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 16:22
And they fell on their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be wroth with all the congregation?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 5:14
And he said, No; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said to him, What said my Lord to his servant?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 21:16
And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 26:39
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Pharisee and the Publican
... of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses ... 1. By this prayer the Pharisee
doth appropriate to himself ... only upon that, but upon a falling in with ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

The Memphite Empire
... which received, on his behalf, the offerings, and also on the northern face of the ...
cut on its front, contained the name of the Pharaoh, and a prayer on his ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses ... Fourth, By this prayer the
Pharisee doth appropriate to ... not only upon that, but upon a falling in with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... To strengthen faith.-2. To encourage to prayer.-3. To ... other we shall basely fall,
and by falling be undone ... further hinted at by the several postures that Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... that presented themselves to him in threatening postures, as if ... up in globes of fire,
and falling down again ... time when The Book of Common Prayer, having been ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm