WHY WE LIFT OUR HANDS TO THE LORD

Brad Matthew Abley, M.Div.

If you raise your hands in worship, do you often think about the significance of what it is that youre
doing (thus worshiping God with your mind, as well as with your emotions)?
We really miss out in our times of praise and worship if were not fully engaged with God in
conversation, in listening and in understanding what it is that were doing. Would you agree?
The purpose of this article is to explain why the people of God in the Old Testament, in the New
Testament and throughout Church history have worshiped and prayed with hands extended to our Lord
an act which is extremely biblical and to show you, the reader how cultivating a lifestyle of lifting
your hands to God will greatly benefit you.

The Lifting of Hands to God in the Old Testament

In the following Old Testament passages hands were raised in prayer, symbolizing the
following: humility and repentance (Ezra 9:5; Lam 3:41); praise and rejoicing (1 Kings 8:22; Ps. 63:3-5);
an expression of dependence (1 Kings 8:38; Ps. 28:2; Lam. 2:19); worship and adoration (1 Kings 8:22; Ps.
63:3-5); thanksgiving and the ability to bless the LORD (Ps. 134:2), broknenness and intercession (Lam.
2:19) and faith in answered in prayer (Ps. 141:2).
Weve just examined twelve extremely important aspects of what it means to lift our hands to the
Lord! And the root Hebrew word translated lift in Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 141:2 has a wide variety of
applications, including to extol, to magnify, receive, regard, respect and yield.
Thus, I count 18 reasons for why we lift our hands to God in worship.
But theyre not only reasons; theyre results of interaction with Him and thats what worship in song
or any form of worship, for that matter, is all about.
In effect, these OT saints were communicating each of the above actions to God as they prayed and
variously, they simultaneously extolled, magnified and asked Him to receive from them; they held Him in
regard and respect and they yielded to Him.
What was the result of these acts of prayer? These believers physically and spirituallyexpressed love for
God and they demonstrably fulfilled the greatest commandment (Mt. 22:37) by worshiping Him with all
of their heart, soul and mind and strength.
Think of it, loved one: when we express all of the above through the lifting of our hands to our Lord
and understand what it is that were doing and why were doing it, how might this impact your
relationship with Him?
Powerful as this is, theres more. The OT saints also raised their hands in glad adoration to God for His
Word (Ps. 119:47-48; Neh. 8:1-8). If you practiced this as well, how might that affect your time spent in
Gods Word? Do you think you might get more out of it?
Friend of God, do you ever raise your hands to Him in humility, for praise and rejoicing, for worship and
adoration, in dependence upon Him for understanding and accurate interpretation of His Word, to bless
Him, to express faith in Him answering your prayers and to thank Him?
According to an article in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Gesture, the one who
stood praying may have begun with palms cupped together, followed by the raising of arms and the
spreading out of hands.[1]
Moreover, one of the Hebrew words translated to give thanks (e.g. Ps. 118:21, 29) is yadah, whose
secondary meaning of the root word meant to throw the hands (in thanksgiving). According to Strongs
Concordance, this word was used especially to revere or worship, with extended hands.
It was used in a public proclamation or declaration of Gods attributes and His works. The concept is at
the heart of the meaning of praise (the synonym is halal). Praise is a confession or declaration of who
God is and of what He does.[2]
However, when thanking God, the verb form is hodah, an intensive form of yadah; this word is only used
of giving thanks to God: it is never used of giving thanks to man. Thus, hodah is a way of praising.[3]
In Ps. 100:4, were called to enter His gates with thanksgiving. This Hebrew word is todah, which in
Strongs is an extension of the hands in adoration, praise or thanks.
Todah is a cognate (related in nature) noun, derived from yadah and it basically means confession,
either of sin or of Gods character and works. It was used of a thank offering or of a praise
offering. In this case, it was accompanied by joy (Jer. 17:26; 33:11; Ps. 95:2; 100).[4]
Singing appears to have been a common means through which one confessed Gods greatness (Ps.
147:4).[5]
When Solomon dedicated the temple to the LORD (1 Kings 8:1-61;), the climax of that dedication
resulted in him being on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven in great worship, adoration,
thanksgiving and contrition (vv. 22, 54) and when he stood to bless the people, he would have lifted up
his hands over them (v.55; cf. Lev. 9:22; Luke 24:50).
Moreover, the lifting of ones hands to the LORD symbolizes the directing ones entire being to Him
(Lam. 3:41; Ps. 25:1; 86:4; 141:2; 143:8).
Thus, this simple act sometimes easy to do and sometimes a choice and act of our will is once again
a spiritual exercise to express the deepest adoration, surrender and dependence upon our God.
Speaking of dependence upon God, during those times when Im down, discouraged or frustrated
during those times that God seems so distant and prayer is therefore difficult I often choose to raise
my hands to Him.
Literally, I might be walking somewhere in my home (and this happens often, though not often enough)
and just raise my hands in worship, adoration, thanksgiving or rejoicing to the Lord and I can tell you
honestly and by experience that this simple act really does change me on the inside!
The result of this spiritual exercise is the proper worship of God, but His people also come away having
been in His presence, also resulting in joy (Ps. 16:11) and strength (Neh. 8:10). This practice, which is
also a tangible means of thanksgiving is one sure means of being filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
 The Lifting of Hands to God in the New Testament

We might be surprised to find only one instance where someone is called upon to lift up their hands in
prayer to God in the NT (1 Tim. 2:8), but on the other hand, the NT writers saw all of Scripture as a unity
and the OT as an example for NT believers (1 Cor. 10:6).
In addition, the book of Psalms essentially served as the hymnbook for the Church as well, so they were
quite familiar with the raising of hands in prayer.
In 1 Tim. 2:8 there is a clear connection (and perhaps a contrast with Is. 1:15) between the lifting up of
hands for the purpose of prayer and the cessation of wrath and dissension: when one is praying in an
attitude of dependence and submission, one must also respond in humility before God and it takes
humility to forsake wrath and dissension.
Thus, the lifting of hands is also a display of reverence to God: holy (hosios) meant unpolluted or
unstained by evil.
It stood for that which was in accordance with divine direction and providence. The word describes the
pious, pure and clean action which is in accordance with Gods command. The hands are holy which
have not been given over to wicked lust.[6]
Friend, what Ive just written is not for the purpose of good or interesting information; it is for our lives
to be changed. And now, for many of you, lifting your hands during a worship service will take on new
meaning it will be a proper emotional response to the presence of the Lord but it will also be an act
of intelligent worship.
Practice this spiritual discipline at all times and youll be amazed at how it greatly affects you and most
importantly, when you do it for the right reasons and with a right heart God will be glorified!
WHEN WE PRAY?
BY WAYNE JACKSON

Does 1 Timothy 2:8 mean we should lift our hands upward when going to the Father in prayer? How
do we know whether or not this is a tradition of Pauls time, or something we should practice today?

The careful Bible student is aware of the fact that there are certain conditions associated with effective
prayer. For example:

1. Prayer should be offered only to deity (Mt. 6:9), never to mere human beings (e.g., Mary or
the saints).

2. This mode of communication is one of those spiritual blessings that is a part of the in
Christ relationship (Eph. 1:3; Jn. 15:7; cf. Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27). It thus is a Christian
privilege. There is no New Testament authority for the sinner to pray for salvation.

3. Prayers should be confidently and persistently offered (Jas. 1:5-8; 1 Thes. 5:17), and in
harmony with the revealed will of God (1 Jn. 5:14).

These and other elements are components of acceptable petitions to the Lord.

Physical Posture and Prayer

A specific physical posture has never been a requirement for acceptable prayer.

Prayer can be made standing (1 Sam. 1:26), or kneeling (1 Kgs. 8:54). Sometimes petitions were offered
from a prostrate position (1 Kgs. 18:42; Mk. 14:35). One might spread out his hands in prayer (1 Kgs.
8:22; Isa. 1:15) or lift them up (Job. 11:13-14; Psa. 63:4).

But neither the place (public or private), nor posture, was a crucial element of the prayer.

The lifting up of the hands as a gesture in prayer, however, has been a common cultural format in many
societies of the pastpagan, Jewish, and Christian. For example, a stone monument with two, uplifted
hands (reflecting an act of devotion among the Canaanites) was discovered at the site of ancient Hazor
in northern Palestine in 1955.

The Symbolism of the Hand

The hand, as an important organ of human activity, becomes a significant symbol in biblical literature.

The expression Jehovahs hand signifies the Lords power (Isa. 59:1; cf. Acts 4:28). Hands that shed
innocent blood (Prov. 6:17) represent murderous people, etc.
So, similarly, lifting up holy hands (1 Tim. 2:8) is a figure of speech which emphasizes that effective
prayer must be accompanied by a consecrated life a life devoted to the service of God.

The passage doesnt require the lifting of ones hands when he or she prays.

Is There Anything Wrong With Lifting Hands in Prayer?

Is there anything intrinsically wrong with holding up ones hands when in prayer? No, there is not. The
lifting of the hands is neither demanded, nor forbidden.

If I might, however, I would like to offer what is strictly my opinion about this issue.

One might give some consideration to the impression he leaves when he dramatically alters his mode of
conduct in public prayer. Will others perceive that there could be a change of doctrinal conviction in
some regard? Is it not the common perception, for example, that this type of display is often associated
with the Pentecostal or charismatic phenomenon?

Some appear to think that changes of this kind will provide some extra charge to their spiritual lives.
But spiritual enhancements come from an assimilation of the word of God internally, not as a result of
an external alteration of bodily movements.

Might such a demonstration be construed as somewhat ostentatious in our present culture? Think
about this. There is nothing inherently sinful in smiting ones chest (cf. Lk. 18:13) when he prays, but
that might not be the most expedient thing to do in a public setting.

Again, as noted earlier, there is no sin in falling upon the ground in prayer (Mk. 14:35), but would such
be wise in a public setting?

One must remember that perception on the part of others, awnd the exercise of good judgment, is an
important element in Christian conduct.

The spiritual person should take these various factors into consideration in making decisions regarding
public postures in prayer

Lifting Holy Hands in Prayer

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.
- 1 Timothy 2:8
As with most false teaching that has plagued the church of Jesus Christ throughout history, spiritual
elitism was included in the package of problems Timothy faced in Ephesus. This particular elitism held
that only a select few had true insight into the genealogies of the first five books of the Old Testament (1
Tim. 1:37), and it was countered with an appeal to the universality of the gospel, as we have seen in
Pauls instructions to Timothy. Everyone who embraces the good news develops a concern for the well-
being of all, knowing that Jesus is the only savior for the world (2:17; 1 John 2:2).
Pauls teaching that prayer should manifest this care for all people (1 Tim. 2:1) is the springboard from
which he focuses on how Christian men are to pray in todays passage. In encouraging men to pray in
every place (v. 8), the apostle is not setting forth the need to pray in each location that we find
ourselves whether it be our homes, workplaces, cars, and so on. Instead, Paul is focusing his attention
specifically on public worship because that is how he uses the phrase every place in his other letters
(for example, 1 Cor. 1:2).
Public prayer is a solemn duty, and so men must engage in the practice reverently, lifting holy hands
(1 Tim. 2:8). Although paintings of ancient Christians in the catacombs depict the earliest believers
praying in this posture, the raising of hands in itself is not Pauls focus but the fact that our hands are to
be holy. The Old Testament is filled with allusions to clean hands as symbolic of godly actions and a
pure heart (Ps. 26:6; Isa. 1:15); thus, we are to be about the business of good works with a pure heart if
we would have the Lord hear our prayers. Dr. John MacArthur writes, Hands symbolize the activities of
life; thus, holy hands represent a holy life (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,782).
The holiness required does not mean that we will be perfect but only that we are repentant (1 John 1:8
9). As such, we cannot rightly take part in public prayer if we are at odds with a brother or sister in the
Lord (1 Tim. 2:8). Jesus says we must first repent and attempt to be reconciled with that person if our
hands would be clean enough to lift in prayer to Him (Matt. 5:2324).

Coram Deo

Christ promises us that if we forgive others, our heavenly Father will also forgive us, and He warns us
that our failure to forgive others means that God will not forgive us (Matt. 6:1415). Not everyone will
accept our attempts at reconciliation, but God expects us to make a good-faith effort to make our
relationships with others right. Failing to be reconciled often leads to bitterness, which lies at the root of
many discontented lives.

Passages for Further Study

Psalm 18:2024
Lamentations 3:41
1 Cor. 11:116
James 4:610

Do We Have to Lift Our Hands When We Pray?

Daily Reflection / Produced by The High Calling
Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the LORD.
Psalms 134:2
Although I usually use the Psalms as the basis for my reflections only on the weekends, I thought it
might be helpful to say a bit more about yesterday's text from Psalm 134:2. As you may recall, it reads:
"Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the LORD." Though I don't want to draw undue attention to the
issue of raising hands in prayer and praise, I think it's something that some Christians wonder or even
worry about. Perhaps I can offer a bit of wisdom and encouragement concerning this subject.

In my last reflection, I shared some of my own experiences growing up in a Christian tradition that did
not raise hands in prayer and worship. Though this gesture was once controversial in my segment of the
Christian family, it has become quite common among a wide range of Christians. In many churches
today, worshipers feel free either to raise their hands in worship or not to do so, as they feel
comfortable. The gesture is simply one way for people to lift up their hearts to the Lord. This, it seems to
me, is a good thing.

But, you might wonder, what about the imperative of Psalm 134:2? Doesn't Scripture tell us to lift up
our hands in prayer and praise? How can we ignore this command? Moreover, many passages
throughout the Bible associate prayer with the lifting of hands. Shouldn't we follow the biblical
example? Even more striking, in Paul's first letter to Timothy, he writes, "In every place of worship, I
want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy" (1 Tim. 2:8). How
can we ignore this biblical request?

I would never suggest that we ignore any part of Scripture. All of Scripture is God-breathed and
authoritative for our lives. Yet, as you know, the books of the Bible were not written directly for us and
our culture. They were written for specific communities of people who lived two thousand years ago or
more, in cultures vastly different from our own. Faithful understanding and obedience to Scripture
requires, therefore, that we wrestle with the wide cultural gaps between biblical times and our own.
Often we have to translate, not just the words, but the significance and application of the words.

Take the issue of lifting hands in prayer, for example. This was a normal (if not the normal) practice
among people in the ancient Mediterranean world. It was as common among Jews and Christians as
folding hands, bowing heads, and closing eyes was common in my early church experience. So, for
example, when 1 Kings 8:54 describes Solomon's prayers during the dedication of the temple, it
mentions that "he had been kneeling with his hands raised toward heaven." The lifting of hands was not
associated only with praise and worship, much less with ecstasy. In Psalm 143, for example, we read: "I
lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain" (v. 6).

Therefore, when Psalm 134:2 says, "Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord" (literally, "Lift up
your holy hands and bless the Lord"), it's not laying down a law that says, "All people in all times must
lift their hands when they pray." Rather, this psalm is calling for prayer in the mode that would have
been most common for the people of that time. It would be like saying in the church of my youth, "Bow
your heads and bless the Lord." Or it would be like saying in certain liturgical churches, "Kneel and bless
the Lord." Or, one might also say in many churches today, "Raise your hands and bless the Lord." The
exact posture of the worshiper is not the main thing. Rather, the main thing is focusing our attention on
God and worshiping him with all that we are, including our bodies.

In tomorrow's reflection, I want to say something more about how we might use our bodies in worship.
Today, however, I want to underscore the fact that the cultural translation I have explained in the
reflection is not for the purpose of twisting biblical truth or avoiding biblical commandments. On the
contrary, we wrestle with Scripture in its cultural context and how this fits within our culture in order
that we might rightly understand and apply God's truth. Our purpose is right understanding and faithful
obedience.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: Why do you think God revealed himself in Scripture that we
embedded in particular cultures? Does this make it harder or easier to understand and obey God's
Word?
 Pursuing God
The American Christian

WHY WE LIFT OUR HANDS TO THE LORD

May 23, 2013 by pastorbradabley

Romans 15:4: For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through
perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
If you raise your hands in worship, do you often think about the significance of what it is that youre
doing (thus worshiping God with your mind, as well as with your emotions)?
We really miss out in our times of praise and worship if were not fully engaged with God in
conversation, in listening and in understanding what it is that were doing. Would you agree?
The purpose of this article is to explain why the people of God in the Old Testament, in the New
Testament and throughout Church history have worshiped and prayed with hands extended to our Lord
an act which is extremely biblical and to show you, the reader how cultivating a lifestyle of lifting
your hands to God will greatly benefit you.
The Lifting of Hands to God in the Old Testament
In the following Old Testament passages hands were raised in prayer, symbolizing the following:
humility and repentance (Ezra 9:5; Lam. 3:41).
Hands raised in prayer also signified praise, rejoicing, deep contrition and thanksgiving (1 Kings 8:22, 38,
54; Ps. 63:3-5).
Moreover, we find an expression of dependence (1 Kings 8:38; Ps. 28:2; 143:1-6; Lam. 2:19); worship
and adoration (1 Kings 8:22; Ps. 63:3-5); blessing the LORD (Ps. 134:2).
In addition, hands raised in prayer also signified brokenness and intercession for others (Lam. 2:19) as
well as faith for answered in prayer (Ps. 141:2).
Weve just examined at least twelve extremely important aspects of what it means to lift our hands to
the Lord!
And the root Hebrew word translated lift in Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 141:2 has a wide variety of
applications, including to extol, to magnify, to receive, to regard, to respect and to yield. Thus, I count 18
reasons for why we lift our hands to God in worship.
But theyre not only reasons; theyre results of interaction with Him and thats what worship in song
or any form of worship, for that matter, is all about.
When Jesus tells us that we are to worship the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and
strength (Mark 12:30), surely the clapping of hands, the raising of hands and dancing before the LORD
(2 Sam. 6:14) are three ways of our need for physical worship.
Thus, in effect, these OT saints were communicating each of the above actions to God as they prayed
and variously, they simultaneously extolled, magnified and asked Him to receive from them; they held
Him in regard and respect and they yielded to Him.
What was the result of these acts of prayer? Again, these believers physically and spiritually expressed
love for God and they demonstrably fulfilled the greatest commandment (Mt. 22:37; Mark 12:30) by
worshiping Him with all of their heart, soul and mind and strength.
Think of it, loved one: when we express all of the above through the lifting of our hands to our Lord
and understand what it is that were doing and why were doing it how might this impact your
relationship with Him?
Powerful as this is, theres more. The OT saints also raised their hands in glad adoration to God for His
Word (Ps. 119:47-48; Neh. 8:1-8).
If you practiced this as well, how might that affect your time spent in Gods Word? Do you think you
might get more out of it?
Friend of God, do you ever raise your hands to Him in humility, for praise and rejoicing, for worship and
adoration, in dependence upon Him for understanding and accurate interpretation of His Word, to bless
Him, to express faith in Him answering your prayers and to thank Him?
According to an article in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Gesture, the one who
stood praying may have begun with palms cupped together, followed by the raising of arms and the
spreading out of hands.
Moreover, one of the Hebrew words translated to give thanks (e.g. Ps. 118:21, 29) is yadah, whose
secondary meaning of the root word meant to throw the hands (in thanksgiving).
According to Strongs Concordance, this word was used especially to revere or worship, with extended
hands.
It was used in a public proclamation or declaration of Gods attributes and His works. The concept is at
the heart of the meaning of praise (the synonym is halal).
Praise is a confession or declaration of who God is and of what He does.
However, when thanking God, the verb form is hodah, an intensive form of yadah; this word is only used
of giving thanks to God: it is never used of giving thanks to man. Thus, hodah is a way of praising.
In Ps. 100:4, were called to enter His gates with thanksgiving. This Hebrew word is todah, which in
Strongs is an extension of the hands in adoration, praise or thanks.
Todah is a cognate (related in nature) noun, derived from yadah and it basically means confession,
either of sin or of Gods character and works.
It was used of a thank offering or of a praise offering. In this case, it was accompanied by joy (Jer.
17:26; 33:11; Ps. 95:2; 100).
Singing appears to have been a common means through which one confessed Gods greatness (Ps.
147:4).
When Solomon dedicated the temple to the LORD (1 Kings 8:1-61;), the climax of that dedication
resulted in him being on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven in great worship, adoration,
thanksgiving and contrition (vv. 22, 54) and when he stood to bless the people, he would have lifted up
his hands over them (v.55; cf. Lev. 9:22; Luke 24:50).
Moreover, the lifting of ones hands to the LORD symbolizes the directing ones entire being to Him
(Lam. 3:41; Ps. 25:1; 86:4; 141:2; 143:8).
Thus, this simple act sometimes easy to do and sometimes a choice and act of our will is a spiritual
exercise to express the deepest adoration, surrender and dependence upon our God.
Speaking of dependence upon God, during those times when Im down, discouraged or frustrated
during those times that God seems so distant and prayer is therefore difficult I often choose to raise
my hands to Him.
Literally, I might be walking somewhere in my home (and this happens often, though not often enough)
and just raise my hands in worship, adoration, thanksgiving or rejoicing to the Lord by faith.
And I can tell you honestly and by experience that this simple act really does change me on the inside!
The result of this spiritual exercise is the proper worship of God, but His people also come away having
been in His presence, resulting in joy (Ps. 16:11) and strength (Neh. 8:10).
This practice, which is also a tangible means of thanksgiving, is one sure means of being filled with the
Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
The Lifting of Hands to God in the New Testament
We might be surprised to find only one instance where someone is called upon to lift up their hands in
prayer to God in the NT (1 Tim. 2:8), but on the other hand, the NT writers saw all of Scripture as a unity
and the OT as an example for NT believers (1 Cor. 10:6; Rom. 15:4; cf. 2 Tim. 3:16).
In addition, the book of Psalms essentially served as the hymnbook for the Church as well, so they were
quite familiar with the raising of hands in prayer.
In 1 Tim. 2:8 there is a clear connection (and perhaps a contrast with Is. 1:15) between the lifting up of
hands for the purpose of prayer and the cessation of wrath and dissension: when one is praying in an
attitude of dependence and submission, one must also respond in humility before God and it takes
humility to forsake wrath and dissension.
Thus, the lifting of hands is also a display of reverence to God: holy (hosios) meant unpolluted or
unstained by evil.
Again, it should be clear by now that the gesture of raising hands to the Lord is a vital spiritual exercise
for us and furthermore, it is not optional: Scripture calls us to lift or raise our hands to our all-deserving
God!
The lifting up of holy hands stood for that which was in accordance with divine direction and
providence. The word describes the pious, pure and clean action which is in accordance with Gods
command. The hands are holy which have not been given over to wicked lust.
Friend, what Ive just written is not for the purpose of good or interesting information; it is for our lives
to be changed.
And now, for many of you, lifting your hands during a worship service will take on new meaning it will
be a proper emotional response to the presence of the Lord but it will also be an act of intelligent
worship (worshiping the Lord with all of our minds, Mark 12:30).
Practice this spiritual discipline at all times and youll be amazed at how it greatly affects you and most
importantly when you do it for the right reasons and with a right heart God will be glorified!