[Grammar] Laying, lay, lie

[BJoeR]

They are to die daily, taking up the cross and laying down their lives for one another. Do I have it right? I've been online researching this, I still don't know if I'm using laying properly.

 

[Barb_D]

Yes. Many natives mess up lie/lay so don't worry that it's giving you trouble.

If you put something else down (even figuratively, as in your life), then you "lay" it.
If the person or thing is immobile on a horizontal surface, then it "lies" there.

I'm going to lie down for a little bit.
Now I lay me down to sleep (first line of a child's prayer - the person is putting themselves on the bed, so even though it's reflexive (done to oneself) it's still lay.)

 

[BJoeR]

It's very confusing Barb. Thanks - too may lays lying around, lol.

 

[Tdol]

You are right- you lay down your life.