We Fall Prostrate

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!" 1 Kings 18:36-39

I enjoy the privilege of homeschooling. I am a teacher at heart, so academics don't frighten me, actually, they stimulate me in many ways. However, that isn't really the main reason why I choose to homeschool. I homeschool mostly to be sure my children are well grounded in their Faith. It is true that in many ways we lead by example for our children. But, then there are things that we practice that sometimes our children do not get an opportunity to see. Things related to prayer for example...things that are just done in private, in our "prayer closet". In our home, we have always been very open when it comes to prayer. Our children were introduced to laying hands on one another and praying for each other at a very early age, so when they are asked to pray for someone...it is natural that they lay hands on that person and pray. It is what they have always seen their Mom and Dad do, and it is what they do too. Sometimes when they pray, they say some of the things we say as we pray over them. Very natural! My son Brendan called a friend and prayed with him over the phone...another very common thing you might find my husband and I doing.

This past week we read about Elijah on Mount Carmel when he drenched his sacrifice in water and yet the Lord appeared and caused the sacrifice to burn showing Himself to be the one true God. Then all the people fell "prostrate" and acknowledged the One True God! In my quiet time there have been times when you could find me prostrate on the floor, my face in the carpet, crying out to God or simply worshiping Him and placing Him in the proper position in my life. My children, however, most likely would never have an opportunity to see this occurring because it is done during my own private quiet time. There is something that happens when one bows. It places you in a very reverent humbling position.

So when we read this verse I explained what it meant "to fall prostrate" and then I had them try it. At first it seemed silly to them. They giggled and then I asked them to be silent for a little bit. After a few moments of no words or movement I began to say the names of Jesus. After all He is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, it is right at times to be in this position of reverence before our Lord. Yes, He is our Abba Father, and a friend that is closer than a brother, and we can laugh with Him and dance with Him, but then there are those moments when all I want to do is fall on my face before Him and honor Him in my posture, my praise and my prayers. Kneeling at the altar, falling prostrate before Him, standing with arms reaching to Heaven, whichever posture you choose...take some time just to honor Him.

Jesus, Son of God, Anointed One, Christ, my Redeemer, Righteous Judge, Only-begotten Son, Son of Man, Saviour, my Mediator, my Intercessor, my Advocate, Messiah, Yahweh, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Lord, my Good Shepherd, Immanuel, Master, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, The Risen One, The Way, The Truth, The Life, Light of the World, Almighty, The Bread of Life, my Rescuer! Oh how I love you! Oh how I worship you! You are so worthy of my praise! May my praise be sweet to your ears and may my children learn to honor you in all that they do and say! In Your Precious Holy Name...Amen.