Looking up to the God in Heaven who is Lord and Master over my life and all things is the proper attitude of prayer. The one who prays is in the attitude of dependency and helplessness. The physical posture may or may not reflect that, but the spirit holds the posture of dependence and trust, relying solely on the mercy of the Master.
The image of the one in need is like a dog or a servant looking to the hand of the kindly master. “I am helpless, but I know my master can extend his hand to help, or to punish; I am at your mercy.” I could take matters into my own hands, but I am weak and powerless and would probably just mess it up and make it worse.
My enemies (sin, death and devil) hold me in contempt and will show no mercy whatever. Their goal is my utter destruction and they will not stop until that is accomplished. The sooner I realize this and turn in trust to the mercy of my kind Master the better off I will be. So I wait upon the Lord until He has mercy on me. My entire life depends on mercy.