Every book I have I ask God to open up where He wants me to read.  Lately, in the Qur'an, He consistently leads me to 32. Bowing Down in Worship.  I'd like to take a moment to share with you the verses He has led me to and then share my testimony(s) regarding bowing down in worship.

32:4 It is God who created the heavens and the earth and everything between in six Days. Then He established Himself on the Throne.

32:5 He runs everything, from the heavens to the earth, and everything will ascend to Him in the end, on a Day that will measure a thousand years in your reckoning. 32:6 Such is He who knows all that is unseen as well as what is seen, the Almighty, the Merciful, 32:7 who gave everything its perfect form. 32:8 then made his descendants from an extract of underrated fluid. 32:9 Then He moulded him, he breathed from His Spirit into him; He gave you hearing, sight, and minds. How seldom you are grateful!

32:13 The only people who truly believe in Our messages are those who, when they are reminded of them, bow down in worship, celebrate their Lord's praises...

32:17 No soul knows that joy is kept hidden in store for them as a reward for what they have done. 32:19 Those who believe and do good deeds will have gardens awaiting them as their home and as a reward for what they have done.

32:21 We shall certainly make them taste a nearer torment [in this life] prior to the greater torment, so that perhaps they may return [to the right path]. 32:22 Who does more wrong that someone who, when messages from his Lord are recited to him, turns away from them? We shall inflict retribution on the guilty.

About mid-way through my intense Awakening, I found myself bowing down in worship to God for it seemed to be the most respectful thing to do.  He is God, our Creator. He is God, the Almighty and most powerful.  He-is-God, why would you not bow down in worship?

I now bow down in worship at least once a day, praying in an ancient language to God, following a format like Muslims in a gesture of submission. My Spiritual Awakening has revealed that I am also a Creator God, and we created each other. Despite this revelation, submission and respect remain powerful tenets when it comes to God, regardless of who created whom first.

As for the art of bowing down in worship, here are the Key Components of Salah as a reference:

Ruku (Bowing):

• During the prayer, Muslims perform "Ruku," which involves bowing down with hands placed on the knees and the back parallel to the ground. This act of bowing signifies humility and submission to God (Allah).

Sujud (Prostration):

• Sujud is another essential part of the prayer where Muslims prostrate themselves by placing their forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. This position signifies complete submission and devotion to God.

Steps in a Typical Salah:

Takbir (Beginning the Prayer):

• The prayer begins with the "Takbir," where the worshiper raises their hands and says "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest).

Standing (Qiyam):

• The worshiper stands and recites the opening chapter of the Qur'an, Al-Fatiha, followed by another verse from the Qur'an.

Bowing (Ruku):

• After the recitations, the worshiper bows (Ruku) while saying "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great).

Standing Again (Qiyam):

• The worshiper returns to the standing position and says "Sami Allahu liman hamidah" (God hears those who praise Him), followed by "Rabbana lakal hamd" (Our Lord, praise be to You).

Prostration (Sujud):

• The worshiper then moves into the prostration position (Sujud) and says "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High).

Sitting (Jalsa):

• The worshiper sits briefly between the two prostrations while reciting a prayer, then performs a second prostration.

Completion (Tashahhud and Tasleem):

• The prayer concludes with the recitation of Tashahhud (testimony of faith) and Tasleem (turning the head to the right and left saying "As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah" - Peace and Mercy of God be upon you).

These acts of bowing and prostration in Salah demonstrate the physical and spiritual aspects of worship in Islam, emphasizing humility, reverence, and submission to God (Allah).

When I learn about other religions and their reverence and disposition toward God, I feel that some non-traditional Christian church societies may not fully appreciate the deep love and devotion other faiths have for God. I say this with the utmost respect for all beliefs, but I discern from God that "bowing down in worship" is a practice He desires from all His believers and followers.

Bowing down in worship is a practice found in various religions around the world. Here are some notable examples:

1. Islam: Muslims perform a bowing position called "sujood" during their prayers (Salah), which they do five times a day (Five Pillars of Islam). This act of bowing down is a demonstration of submission to Allah.

2. Christianity: In some Christian traditions, bowing and kneeling are part of worship. For example, in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, worshippers kneel or bow during certain parts of the Mass or Divine Liturgy.

3. Judaism: Jews bow during specific parts of their prayers, especially during the Amidah (also known as the Shemoneh Esrei), a central prayer in Jewish liturgy. The act of bowing is a sign of reverence and submission to God.

4. Hinduism: Hindus often bow down in worship during rituals and prayers. The act of prostration (Sashtanga Namaskara) involves lying flat on the ground with hands stretched out in front as a sign of utmost reverence and humility before deities.

5. Buddhism: In Buddhism, bowing is a common practice to show respect to the Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community). Prostrations are often performed during rituals and while visiting temples.

6. Sikhism: Sikhs bow down in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture, as a sign of respect and devotion. The act of bowing (matha tekna) is an essential part of Sikh worship.

7. Baha'i Faith: Baha'is also practice bowing in their prayers. The act of bowing is incorporated into their obligatory prayers as a sign of humility before God.

Each of these religions incorporates bowing as a physical expression of humility, reverence, and submission to a higher power or sacred teachings.

I believe it's important that if we are going to say that we love God with all our heart, mind, body and soul that we should act in accordance with His desire for us.  The next time you pray to God, I strongly suggest you bow down in worship whether in church (if it's practiced there) or in the privacy of your home.  God doesn't mind where you worship Him, if you bow down in worship daily.