Well Jo,
I am sure you know that as an Episcopalian I have not spent a lot of time prostrate on the rug of a church! However, if that is your goal, I do understand . . .and I have two thoughts on this. If you can do it by kneeling on your memory foam pillow and eventually, get there, great!! If you cannot get into that position, then you will have to look for the lesson in your experience.
I think that God sends us many lessons in life--in my own case, I seem to not see the more subtle ones and I mostly get hit in the side of the head with my lessons!!! Knee replacement is one of those---I have learned alot more about compassion for others. I have learned to jump up and help the person struggling with crutches or a walker. I have learned with a great gift health is---and to feel compassion for those who do not share my physical health.
Medaevail churches did not even have pews---everyone stood up for prayer. In our case, many Anglicans have begun to stand for prayers instead of kneeling. So, perhaps you may have to find joy in standing before God with your prayers. when we kneel or lie on the floor, we create our own special space with our God--but with standing we are more aware of our congregation---perhaps that is your lesson, Jo. To find the joy of commnal prayer--to glory not only in your relationship with God but with your relationship with godly people. To be beside your fellow worshipper and perhaps to see a need that one of your neighbors might have.
Remember--I am not an easy learner in all of this!! But, acceptance of where we are is something that I have had to learn. Right now, I am doing well with my knee but I have to accept that I have hours of the day when I am in this bed with my knee on three pillows. Last time I spent a lot of time complaining about that fact. This time, I have spent the time reading the posts of others and trying to feel where they are coming from and what help they might need. In short, to be a member of this community rather than a whiner and taker.
Jo, I am sure that you will find your lesson in all of this---I hope you learn easier than I do--some of my lessons have been quite hard since I think God ran out of patience!!! But maybe you will have to pray upright from now on so that it is easier to hug and love those around you. Kelly