An Unusual Word and an Unusual Phrase in the Scriptures

A Word

Sometimes when reading The Word, a word or phrase of Scripture seems to strike a chord within one's heart and mind. It causes me some real delight, and a longing to express it, as cast upon the Spirit of Truth Himself, for He is the Divine Instructor.

Just recently I became aware of a word that had intrigued me before, but sadly I had not "chased after it," if such an expression is suited to this exercise.

Now I make no pretension to any profundity in these thoughts, rather an element of simple joy in my spirit. The Word of God never ceases to amaze; what other book could one read every day of a lifetime? Perish the thought that I would ever cease from its study, or be deprived of its possession by some tyrant; how would I "go on?"

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ.]" Ephesians 314.                                                                                                          The emphasis is my own to direct us to that particular word. We own unequivocally that in a soon-coming day, at the name of Jesus, every knee, whether of beings celestial, terrestrial or infernal, all WILL bow the knee to own the Lordship of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Philippians 2:9-11.          We are familiar with the phrase "to bow the knee," but here it is divinely recorded, "my knees," plural.

I am not suggesting that this is the only occurrence in the Word, but I see yet another wonderful thought unfolded by the Holy Spirit. Paul was not exhibiting subjection here I suggest, (though he was always in subjection to his Lord); nor specifically engaged in worship; but rather he had adopted an attitude beautifully suited to prayer. 

Daniel practised this lovely exercise habitually, "he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Daniel 6:10.  

In Gethsemane's garden in the depths of His soul's anguish, the Lord Jesus Himself, "fell upon His face," "fell upon the earth," "and kneeling down He prayed." None else could give such confirmation to this thought.         Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:35; Luke 22:41.  

A Phrase

" Making mention of you at my prayers."                                               Ephesians 1:16. [New Translation J.N.D.]

It must be obvious that this is a phrase that is in perfect harmony with the "word" above. It is emphatically suggestive of specific times set aside for prayer. Paul knew the essential need of  consecutive periods of prayer, supplemented by the prayers that constantly emanated from his soul; special times devoted to prayer. He was thus an imitator of his Lord in this necessary practice as a dependent man.