Why Lincoln stood

[snopes]

When it came time for the pastoral prayer at the church Abraham Lincoln attended, the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, in Washington, D.C., the president stood up. Because most of the worshipers remained seated, someone asked the president why he stood. The president responded, “When my generals come into the Oval Office, they stand for their commander-in-chief. Isn’t it proper then, that I stand for my commander-in-chief?”

[ganzfeld]

This page says

Although he never officially joined the congregation, the Lincolns did have their own family pew which they reserved on June 1, 1861, paying $50 a year in rent for a pew eight rows from the front. The pews provided little room for the President's long legs. Mr. Lincoln exercised his presidential privilege to stand during services when he so desired (while others were seated) -- particularly during prayers.

[ganzfeld]

This book is one source for the story:
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22686
(I don't know but I'm guessing it was an apocryphal story that was never told as a "true" story until this book. Wouldn't it have been more widely reported in the many many discussions of Lincoln's religion.)

[Spamamander]

If he'd been standing instead of sitting at the Ford Theatre the bullet would have missed his head.

Then again, at his height that might have put the bullet at groin-level so from a male perspective I'm not sure which would be worse.

[Buckle Up]

Originally Posted by Spamamander

If he'd been standing instead of sitting at the Ford Theatre the bullet would have missed his head.

Then again, at his height that might have put the bullet at groin-level so from a male perspective I'm not sure which would be worse.

Too soon!, Spam!

[Habsfan]

I heard it was because of the hemroids.