The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley
Week 2: Daily Habit 1 — Kneeling Prayer
Read the chapter on Kneeling Prayer in The Common Rule. Key Scripture: Psalm 95:6; Daniel 6:10; Luke 18:1–8.
Previewing Week 2 of The Common Rule
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 13-week guide when you’re ready.
The first daily habit Earley proposes is deceptively simple: kneel and pray, morning and night. This week, pay attention to what happens in your body — and your heart — when you actually get on your knees.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Earley insists that the physical act of kneeling matters — that posture is not just symbolic but formative. Had you thought much about the physical dimension of prayer before reading this chapter? How did his argument strike you?
2.He observes that one reason we don't pray is that we don't feel like it — and then he argues this is exactly backwards. We should pray in order to feel like praying. How does this challenge the way you typically approach (or avoid) prayer?
3.Earley suggests that kneeling is a 'full-body argument with yourself' — a way of reminding yourself, in your bones, who is Lord. Have you ever used a physical posture or action to reinforce a belief? What happened?