Praying While Lying Down
Praying is a vital part of the Christian faith, and for many believers, it can be a comforting and spiritual experience that helps to bring them closer to a Higher power. But what about when you’re lying down? Can you pray while lying down Christianity? The answer is yes – and it doesn’t have to be confined to just those who are bedbound either. In fact, anyone can take part in this practice.
The basis of praying while lying down can be found in the Bible. In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus says, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. When you are praying, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen.”
The broader context of this passage is about the need for true humility in prayer, but there is an insight here into the importance of a meditative state. We should be so focused on our prayers that our surroundings don’t distract us, and this can be particularly helpful when some people may find it difficult to sit or kneel for long periods of time. That’s why praying while lying down can be a positive way of engaging in prayer too.
Dr. Karla Wold, a religion professor at Princeton University, explains, “When we are lying down, we are often in a relaxed position, and this can help us to center and focus our minds on our prayers and requests more effectively. This is especially beneficial if we find it hard to focus our minds when we are standing or sitting upright.”
So this implies that, in some cases, lying down can make it easier to pray, as it is often easier to be calm and still in a lying position than in other postures. Praying while lying down can also be more comfortable, especially if you are physically unwell, or if you have previously found it difficult to assume another posture when praying.
Take Psalm 63:1-2 for example, which reads: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” This could be a perfect example of someone praying while reclining and resting in a comfortable lying down position.
The Physical Benefits of Praying While Lying Down
Praying while lying down can also be beneficial physically and physiologically. A study by the University of Miami found that lying down can be physically calming and have a positive effect on the respiratory rate, by reducing cortisol levels, which can lead to relaxation and a better overall outlook on life.
Dr. Peter Brown, a senior lecturer at the University of Miami Medical School, states, “What we found was that lying down can reduce cortisol levels and encourage a feeling of wellbeing, as well as reduce blood pressure. So this has clear implications for anyone who is looking to pray more regularly or deeply, and who may have previously have found it difficult to do so in traditional postures like sitting or standing.”
An Opportunity to Connect with God
In addition to the physical benefits of praying while lying down, there is also an opportunity to experience a deeper connection with God. This can potentially open up a new level of conversation with Him, and this is part of what is known as contemplative prayer, which focuses on mindfulness and focusing on the present moment.
Father Richard Frechette, a priest at St. Paul’s Church, explains, “One of the best things about praying while lying down is that it encourages a deeper, more meaningful connection with God. We can open ourselves up to a new level of communication with Him, as we are in a relaxed and open state. This opens the floodgates to conversations that may not have been possible if we were in an upright position.”
The Benefits of Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer helps the believer to become more aware of their own thoughts, feelings and reactions, as well as to pay more attention to the presence of God in everyday life. Ultimately, this can help the individual to be more sensitive to God’s voice and to be able to hear Him more clearly.
Dr. Jennifer Johnson, a theologian at Baylor University, says, “We are often so busy in our daily lives that we don’t always take the time to be in tune with the subtle nuances of God’s presence. Praying while lying down can be a great way of doing this. It opens us up to having a conversational relationship with Him, and it enables us to be more open and receptive to God’s messages.”
Learning How to Pray While Lying Down
Learning how to pray while lying down can be a bit challenging at first, as it can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar. However, it is important to remember that it does not necessarily require you to be lying flat on your back, nor does it necessarily have to be done in a prayer position. You can sit up in bed, kneel down, sit on a chair, or whatever posture works best for you.
Dr. Laura Joyner, a spiritual director, suggests, “Start by finding a posture that you are comfortable in, and then try to focus your mind on a single phrase, such as ‘God, I am here with you.’ If your mind starts to wander, just bring it back to the phrase, and focus your attention on it. This can help you to stay focused and mindful of your conversation with God.”
The Psychological Benefits of Praying While Lying Down
When it comes to psychological benefits, praying while lying down can be hugely beneficial. Studies have shown that regular practice of meditation can improve mental health, and this is likely to be true of praying while lying down too.
Dr. John Vite, a psychologist at the University of Michigan, concludes, “There is compelling evidence that suggests that careful practice of praying while lying down can improve mental health and well-being. Regular practice encourages an openness to God and can produce self-awareness, tranquility, a sense of unity with God, and an improved outlook and attitude to life.”
Engaging All Senses
Praying while lying down invites the believer to engage with all of their senses, to really focus on the words that they are saying or the thoughts that they are thinking, and to journal their prayers and revelations. This can be an incredibly powerful experience which helps to deepen the connection to the Divine and to build a stronger relationship with God.
Nicole Ramos, a spiritual writer and practitioner, explains, “When we engage all of our senses as we’re praying, we become more connected to our experience and to God. We can focus on what we are feeling and this can help to open up a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for our faith.”
The Power of Lying Down in Prayer
In conclusion, lying down in prayer can be a powerful and meaningful way of building a connection with God, and it can open up a whole new level of communication with the Divine. Whether it’s through the physical benefits of relaxation, or through engaging all of the senses, praying while lying down can be a powerful and transformative experience.
Moreover, it is a practice that is suitable for anyone, regardless of their health or ability, and can be done anywhere and at any time. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:5-6, prayer should be something that is done in the privacy of our own spaces, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And when it comes to praying while lying down, that privacy and intimacy is amplified even further.
