Prayer Stretch

If you didn't know, back toward the end of June, I was involved in a pretty serious automobile accident.  In a complete act of God, myself, and the three others with me were spared not only our lives, but also received practically no injuries.  Pretty awesome.  

I have to admit though, my back has not been the same since the accident.  I waited for a few weeks, because I figured the pain would subside.  However, it didn't, and so I finally went to a doctor to see what the troubles might be.  He did some neck cracking/back cracking type things, but it didn't really help.  The doctor finally concluded that my injury was more soft tissue/muscle damage, which he said sometimes takes longer to heal than bone damage.  So, he prescribed some physical therapy for me.  

It's been an interesting experience so far, as the kind therapists I'm dealing with are teaching me stretches that I've never done before.  Overall, it's a slow process, but my back is feeling better.  One of the stretches that they make me do though is called the "prayer stretch."  I think it's kind of funny because for one thing, I wonder how many people pray anymore (like what percent of the world's population designates a time to pray, and does it.)  And even though I estimate that a small percentage of people pray, this stretch is still called the prayer stretch.  In fact, one therapist said to me the other day something about bowing toward Mecca to stretch.  So... people recognize that the position the body is in during this stretch does kind of seem like a "prayer position."  

At physical therapy today, I thought about this... and how why don't I pray while doing this stretch?  After all, there's not much else to do while stretching!  Also, I think of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 where Paul urges us to "pray continually."  So... we really have chances to pray during most of our daily activities - if not all of them.  

Do I take advantage of them?  I'll admit that I don't.  I'll admit that my prayer life can be pretty poor at times (presently included!).  So, it's time to get on the ball... And this prayer stretch reminded me of that.  There's something else to be noted about the prayer stretch I think.  Go to Bible Gateway and do a search on the word "prostrate."  Dictionary.com defines "prostrate" throwing oneself down, flat to the ground, face down, in humility and submission.  There were many occurrences in the Bible of people going prostrate before God, in their communication with Him.  I like this about the "prayer stretch" position.  It's a humbling position (especially in a room full of people)!  The prayer stretch doesn't take it far enough though as far as the definition of "prostrate" is concerned... To throw oneself down, face down, flat on the ground shows respect to God.  It shows that we know our place compared to Him.  I wonder how many of us show Him that anymore.  I know I don't.  

I'm not telling you to go slam yourself down on the sidewalk, cracking some ribs in the process.  But... have we forgotten to pray?  Do we pray continually as the day marches on?  And how do we pray?  Do we say a five second prayer before woofing down our lunch, not even remembering if we prayed by the time we're done swallowing?  Or, do we give God some time that is totally between us and Him - pointing to Him as our Creator, our Life, our Savior?  As you go about your daily tasks, remember, God wants to talk to us.  Show Him that we appreciate the chance we have to talk with Him.  Pray continually.  Keep in touch with the God of Israel who sent His son to die for our sins.  He's there with an open ear.

Posted by Ben ><>