John 13:1-17; Matt. 26:47-75

“Before the Festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully.” John 13:1, CEB

There is a common story about the places John Wesley (the founder of Methodism) lived throughout England. Next to the bed or in his prayer closet are said to be knee prints in the floor boards (or in the carpet) where he spent long hours on his knees in prayer. Can you imagine how many hours it would take to wear down wood floors with just your knees?

Years later a group of seminarians were visiting these historic sites when one of the students was discovered praying in one of these spots saying, “Do it again, Lord!” (praying for another church renewal) It was a young Billy Graham.

Jesus spent a great deal of time on his knees, especially this night.

He knelt to wash their feet in an act of humble service and an outpouring of love.

He knelt to pray in the garden.

He was thrown to his knees countless times overnight as he was arrested and beaten and questioned and tried.

This part of the story never ceases to amaze me. Jesus had such strength of character, of spirit, of body. Not just because of his Divine nature, but because he had done the work on his human one…from his knees.

I admit that my prayer life hasn’t caused indentations on my bedroom floor, nor has it created great callouses on my kneecaps. Probably because I have chosen a different posture for my daily prayer, or that I may not be praying as fervently. But it is a good reminder that whatever we face, good or bad or somewhere in between can be best prepared for from our knees.

So, as we enter this important day in the life of the Church, Maundy Thursday, let’s do so with the right heart through the simple practice of prayer…

…on our knees.