Lifting Holy Hands

The raising of hands in worship should be driven by the Spirit not by men who seek to make others seem spiritual. No doubt some come to church and raise hands simply to seem spiritual and some do not raise their hands because they are afraid that they might be seen as trying to look spiritual.

As I said the raising of hands should always and only be driven by the Spirit and never withheld when we feel prompted by the Spirit.

 

It depends on the church I am in. Some churches seem so spiritually dead while others seem to have a spirit about them that moves me to raise my hands in praise. The same is with saying the "AMEN" during preaching. Some preaching is so dead it does not even begin to move me while others sets my spirit on fire to shout the "AMEN."

 

Perfect example of a tertiary issues for churches or 3rd order

 

Paul is using the same language that we find in Psalms 63:4 and Psalms 141:2. I think the Jews and the early Christians were more expressive than modern Christians. I don't think this is a command to literally raise our hands in prayer or in worship. Having said that, I have always felt comfortable with raising my hands and getting expressive. Probably because I attended Spirit-filled churches for many years after giving my life to Christ. Most in my little Baptist church are reserved, and that's okay. I've never felt judged, and I certainly would never judge those who are uncomfortable with this style.

 

JonC I think that you are spot on. The raising of hands should never be mechanical. Unless the praise comes from the heart it is of no value.

 

Based on scripture Spirit and Truth worship can only be done as spoken of in scripture and that is how we live our daily lives. It is true that an outward expression of worship may vary from person to person and raised hands is simply one manner of that.