Cornerstone

Psalm 72:17-19 (17)

The knight kneeling before his lord is a picture that brings feelings of nobleness to our mind. The person of Asian decent bowing the head and stooping to those to whom he wishes to show respect causes us to have feelings of admiration and appreciation. The European man kneeling on one knee and taking the hand of the one he loves brings feelings of romance to mind.

In other cultures to kneel before a superior, someone you love, or someone you respect is expected protocol. It is something that is demanded be all. It is something that is ingrained into the training of the person.

In the American individualistic culture, kneeling has not taken on the significance that it has carried in other parts of the world. No American citizen would ever think to kneel before the President of the United States let alone before their landlord. Could this be why some do not like to kneel in prayer to God?

The Psalmist spoke of blessing the Lord. The Hebrew word he used indicates the act of kneeling in an act of reverence. This is the attitude of heart that is expressed in the life of all who love Him. We bless God. We worship Him in our humble submission. It is a time when we express that we recognize who He is and who we are.

Dr. Gayle Woods