Lifting Hands in Worship
Because our Lord knows our individual personalities, I believe He accepts our various ways to praise and worship Him. Thankfully, today many church denominations are open to diverse biblical ways to let members of the congregation express worship.
I remember the days when a piano or organ were usually the only instruments used during Sunday church services. Varied musical instruments were not prominent then nor were banners displayed nor clapping of hands. Yet my silent type of worship was challenged.
One summer when our family visited my mom for several weeks our family worshipped numerous times in a liturgical church which was a different denomination from the one I had attended all my life. The church held services day or night every day of the week as people packed the pews, gathered for worship, preaching, teaching and testimony time.
One Thursday night in the pastor’s office as he laid hands on my head, I knelt and prayed aloud–inviting the Holy Spirit to do a new work in me—to empower me. I called it my “spiritual renewal” as I affirmed again Jesus as my Lord and Savior. And I hungrily began to reread the Bible.
On the first Sunday back home in the church where we were charter members, I raised my hands slightly in adoration to Jesus during the glorious singing of worship hymns. My heart was so full of love and gratitude for His sacrificial death on the cross for me. And by now I was familiar with how the Psalms described the lifting of hands in worship. And it was what I had seen many believers do in the church I had just visited.
When our service was over the new young pastor—barely out of seminary—asked to speak with me privately. “Do not raise your hands again in this church. It will disturb the choir,” he said.
Later as we moved to various places, we were active in several churches of different denominations. None of the pastors discouraged me from raising my hands during the worship music.
I am not advocating that everyone lifts hands in church. It is just what I enjoy doing occasionally when I worship my Lord Jesus. A few people probably don’t understand this way of expressing adoration during a regular church service.
Here are some Scriptures I like that address lifting of hands:
“Lift up your hands to the sanctuary, And bless the Lord.” (Psalm 134:2 AMP)
“Let my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.” (Psalm 141:2)
“Let us lift up our hearts and our hands [in prayer] toward God in heaven.” (Lam.3:41 AMP)
Sitting in my “prayer chair” in my bedroom during my private devotional time, I also raise my hands. In fact, from time to time I shake my tambourine or shout “Hallelujah” or “Thank You Jesus,” when I worship the King of kings and Lord of lords! And I may even wave one of the banners my daughter made me after she had lived in Israel. But I only do this at home.
Many Christians today not only pray when they worship the Lord, but they use other ways recorded in the Bible— playing instruments, dancing, singing, kneeling. clapping, waving of praise banners.
I am convinced God accepts our heart-felt worship methods.
Scripture Ways Of Worship:
And so it was, when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the Lord, that he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. (I Kings 8:54 NKJV)
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (I Timothy 2:8 NKJV)
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. (Psalm 95:6 NKJV)
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. (Psalm 150:4 KJV)
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! (Psalm 47:11 NKJV)
May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:5 NIV)
You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. (Psalm 60:4 NKJV)
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