March 22 | Barak, to Worship by Kneeling Down

Series | The Life of Prayer and Heart of Worship 

Scripture | Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

Lesson 22 | Barak, to Worship by Kneeling Down

What is the most common position you think of when you imagine praying and worshipping?  Most think of kneeling before Jesus as one does a king.  The idea of kneeling is not one of earthly origin but rather heavenly.  Before God and His throne people are kneeling and worshipping Him even right now (Revelation 19:4)!

In the above psalm the writer, like a good worship leader, is calling people to bow down to God in worship.  He then declares, “let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our Master.  The Hebrews word “barak,” means to “kneel in worship.”  Thus, in times of worship to God we should physically display our humility and honor to him by bending our knees in submission and reverence.

Of course, the bending of the knees is not the main thing God is looking for; He is looking for the “bended heart” to His will.  However, just like singing and shouting praises to God uses our vocal cords we should also be willing to use our body to kneel before God and acknowledge Him as our Lord (God) and Maker (creator). 

As Jesus taught in John 4 the Father is not far away or demanding from us our good works to please, but rather in response to His great love and mercy we should be compelled to kneel before Him.  As a matter of fact, Paul writes in Philippians 2:9-10, “10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Therefore, the question isn’t “Are you going to bow before God and declare His praise?”  But rather, “When are you going to bow and worship God- now as His child or at the judgment as a sinner being sent to eternal damnation?”

Obviously, the better choice is to kneel down and worship God today as your Lord and Maker!  He alone is worthy of your worship and kneeling.  Therefore, as the writer of the Psalm said, “let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our Maker!”   

Reflection | Are you willing to truly humble yourself and kneel before God and confess Him as your Lord and Maker? 

Action | (1) First, humble your heart before God by submitting to His will for your life. (2) Second, physically kneel down and confess Jesus as your Lord and Maker.  (3) Lastly, live your life “bended and humbled” to the will of God. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, &Proverbs 11:23. Click here to read online.