Hand Raising in Worship

[Amy.G]

I haven't read the whole thread. Is there any NT Scripture to back this notion of raising hands in the air,

Is there any NT scripture condemning it? You can certainly find plenty of OT scripture that says it was pleasing to God. Do you have scripture for that says God is no longer pleased with it?

or is it just an emotional pentecostal-type response?

:laugh: I guess OT Jews were pentecostal!


The OP is NOT talking about rolling around on the floor or barking like a dog or holy laughter or any of the charismatic nonsense. It's talking about raising your hands. That is all. It's amazing to me how so many get so upset about that.

 

[Amy.G]

While some have made unfair, broad sweeping accusations, Amy, this is also one. I have no hangup over this, to me its a non issue quite frankly. For ME the disruption comes when I'm sitting and singing and the person jumps up in front of me, and the only way I can see the words is by standing up...and even then I can be move side to side trying to see the screen through their arms as it looks like they are trying to block a field goal. Its also disruptive to ME when we aree asked to be seated during a song and a couple people decide to stand. There is almost a sense in the congregation everyone is also supposed to stand up and you have a bunch of people looking around wondering if they are supposed to. This takes focus off of worship, IMO. Its great to have individual preferences but people should also realize this is corporate worship as well. People also need to realize that unless they are in the back row they could be imeding those behind them.

What you're talking about is someone who is just plain rude. I have never advocated rudeness. I would never jump up in front of someone and block their view. Apples and oranges.

 

[DHK]

Is there any NT scripture condemning it? You can certainly find plenty of OT scripture that says it was pleasing to God. Do you have scripture for that says God is no longer pleased with it?



:laugh: I guess OT Jews were pentecostal!


The OP is NOT talking about rolling around on the floor or barking like a dog or holy laughter or any of the charismatic nonsense. It's talking about raising your hands. That is all. It's amazing to me how so many get so upset about that.

I am not speaking about what Jews did.
And I am certainly not aligning myself with the Charismatic movement.
So, what NT precedent is there for waving one's hands in the air?

 

[HeDied4U]

What are your thoughts and choices on Hand Raising in Worship?

I know there have been other threads on this subject but no polls yet.

Check all boxes that apply.

Back in my Charismatic days (many, many, many moons ago), I would raise my hands during worship. Nowadays I usually just tap my feet some and play along with the drummer of the back of the seat in front of me.

Occasionally I will raise one hand maybe head high, but that doesn't happen too often.

 

[Amy.G]

I am not speaking about what Jews did.
And I am certainly not aligning myself with the Charismatic movement.
So, what NT precedent is there for waving one's hands in the air?

First of all, who said anything about "waving"???? See, you keep adding to what the OP is talking about just so you can say it's wrong. The only precedent I suppose in the NT would be the fact that Paul and the apostles were Jewish. The way the Jews worshiped, with clapping hands and such were not part of the Law, so I see nowhere that it was abolished, do you? When Paul talked about singing Psalms and hymns to God, do think just maybe he still worshiped like he did in the temple? And since it was normal, why would he even speak about it?

There is nothing wrong or sinful or disrespectful to raise a hand in worship to God any more than it is wrong to get on your knees to pray. But out of respect for you and your church, if I were to visit, I would not do it.

BTW, I also raise my hand/hands in worship to God in the privacy of my home while listening to music. It has nothing to do with wanting to appear righteous to other people. What a heathen I am! :laugh:

 

[webdog]

What you're talking about is someone who is just plain rude. I have never advocated rudeness. I would never jump up in front of someone and block their view. Apples and oranges.

Why is it rude? Hasn't it been said on this thread that people should worship in the manner they see fit?

At any rate my point I was trying to get across is just because something can be disruptive it doesn't mean they have a "hang up" over it.

 

[freeatlast]

This is the kind of attitude that bothers me on this. It should be a non-issue, a matter of personal liberty. It would be false for me to raise both hands and sway to the music. To imply that because I don't worship in the same manner as others I am somehow 'missing out' is a judgement call. There are many times when we sing some of our that I can't even sing, much raise my hands and sway, because I am on such deep worship that I am in tears of joy, adoration, and gratitude.

We are all different. We should worship according to who we are, not according to who someone else thinks we should be.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[CF1]

It's true, I'm trying to focus on what might be called typical Baptist style Hand Raising, if there is such a thing, not Pentecostal style Hand Raising, Jumping, Shouting, Dancing, etc.

I'm curious about Baptist's thoughts and practices on the subject.

 

[CF1]

Someone asked for NT Bible verses on Hand Raising

Luke 24:50
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

1 Timothy 2:8
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

How do people interpret verses like this in your practice?

 

[freeatlast]

The raising of hands can certainly be a part of a worship experience and should always be a person choice. The only problem is that it is not done as a way to show one being pious before men (Although I think many times it is). I am always suspect of some of the things I see and being called worship when the same person all week long shows no evidence that their lives worship the Lord (by that I mean living holy). I have a standard I go by in such things. If I don't do it in my private worship with the Lord to honor Him I certainly don't do it in public worship to be seen by men and I do at times lift my hands to the Lord in public worship.

 

[Amy.G]

Hasn't it been said on this thread that people should worship in the manner they see fit?

I don't know. I don't recall anyone saying people should worship as they see fit without regard to other people's feelings but maybe I missed it.

At any rate my point I was trying to get across is just because something can be disruptive it doesn't mean they have a "hang up" over it.

And my point was that just raising your hand isn't disruptive. Blocking someone's view is. We should have the attitude Paul taught.

Phil 2
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 

[Ed B]

I do not always raise my hands, but when I do I prefer to raise them no higher than my head, with head bowed.

Purely preference and what I feel to be worshipful and humble.

If I remember correctly the noted 2nd century charismatic (Montanist) Tertullian said one should raise their hands with head bowed in worship. He also said something along the line that we shouldn't wear dyed clothing because had God wanted us to wear red or purple he would have made red and purple sheep.....my paraphrase of course.

 

[Jerome]

Some worship services last over an hour. Don't y'all's arms get tired after a while?

 

[CF1]

When I took a music "Voice" class at the University as part of my degree, we were taught a technique used in Opera and classical music.

To hit high notes you will see a Mezzo-Soprano place her hand on top of her head or with a hand pointed straight up to the sky. Raising the arm, raises the diaphragm into a position to give more support, which enables her to hit a higher note with power.

You see Julie Andrews do this move in the classic movie the Sound of Music, when she sings the last note in one of the songs with the children. She makes it looks like its a theatrical move to express herself, but it's really what enables her to hit that very high note with a lot of volume, support, and power.

I do this sometimes at church when singing with my whole heart that is overflowing full of love for God (based on the HS illuminating Scripture, of course... .

Raising arms straight up accomplishes this purpose too.

 

[righteousdude2]

BTW - I Do Respect Others in my Use of Expression!!!

I have been in churches where everyone is pretty much sitting on their hands during the singing of hymns and prayer. And if that is what they feel comfortable doing, that is fine with me. :thumbsup:

I strongly support and practice 1 Cor. 8:9 - "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."

And:

Romans 14:13 - "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."

Therefore, if I'm in a service, where the atmosphere is more sedate, I am willing to avoid "being a stumbling block" and I will practice the old axiom - "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

There are right times and places to express what is inside, and it is not in accordance with the Word to be a stumbling block for the weaker (that lacking magnitude, brightness, or loudness) of the flock. And I do not mean this in an insulting, or judgmental way. It is a fact, that there are as many believers who do not understand, or even desire to be demonstrative in their personal style of worship.

To raise hands, jump, and shout when among a group of folks that is comfortable in a less expressive style of praise and worship would cause a distraction, and take the focus off of Jesus, and put the spotlight on the person being expressive for their own gain (showing off).

 

[Mexdeaf]

I have been in churches where everyone is pretty much sitting on their hands during the singing of hymns and prayer. And if that is what they feel comfortable doing, that is fine with me. :thumbsup:

I strongly support and practice 1 Cor. 8:9 - "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."

And:

Romans 14:13 - "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."

Therefore, if I'm in a service, where the atmosphere is more sedate, I am willing to avoid "being a stumbling block" and I will practice the old axiom - "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

There are right times and places to express what is inside, and it is not in accordance with the Word to be a stumbling block for the weaker (that lacking magnitude, brightness, or loudness) of the flock. And I do not mean this in an insulting, or judgmental way. It is a fact, that there are as many believers who do not understand, or even desire to be demonstrative in their personal style of worship.

To raise hands, jump, and shout when among a group of folks that is comfortable in a less expressive style of praise and worship would cause a distraction, and take the focus off of Jesus, and put the spotlight on the person being expressive for their own gain (showing off).

I agree but sometimes an "Amen!" just pops out.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[DHK]

First of all, who said anything about "waving"???? See, you keep adding to what the OP is talking about just so you can say it's wrong.

Not really. I've just never really seen someone raise their hand straight as a hockey stick and then not moving it. It seems that would be more of a salute that you are speaking of. Raising hands usually accompanies some sort of wave. However, I may be wrong.

The only precedent I suppose in the NT would be the fact that Paul and the apostles were Jewish. The way the Jews worshiped, with clapping hands and such were not part of the Law, so I see nowhere that it was abolished, do you?

Yes, a different covenant demanded a different service. It was no longer liturgical. It very soon graduated out of the Temple, and soon after that was pushed out of the synagogues into homes and other informal places. It was far more informal than Jewish worship. At the same time they made it different, not the same. They discarded many of the Jewish practices. For example there is no real evidence that the early Christians didn't even use instruments. Not even at the time of the Reformers did they use instruments. Spurgeon didn't. Wesley didn't. Adam Clarke didn't.

When Paul talked about singing Psalms and hymns to God, do think just maybe he still worshiped like he did in the temple? And since it was normal, why would he even speak about it?

No, not at all. Their goal was to be different; not the same.

There is nothing wrong or sinful or disrespectful to raise a hand in worship to God any more than it is wrong to get on your knees to pray. But out of respect for you and your church, if I were to visit, I would not do it.

It draws attention to the person and not to God. When it does happen I find myself looking at that person and wondering. My focus has been diverted by someone who has distracted others from worship.

BTW, I also raise my hand/hands in worship to God in the privacy of my home while listening to music. It has nothing to do with wanting to appear righteous to other people. What a heathen I am! :laugh:

The way you worship God in your own home is your business. You can even dance to the Lord in your home if you like. It won't bring an offense to anyone.

 

[righteousdude2]

I Heard That :<)

I agree but sometimes an "Amen!" just pops out.:smilewinkgrin:

I know what you mean. I guess if you have to let out an "Amen!" once in the while, it's better than letting it build up and cause you to be "spiritually bloated!" :laugh:

 

[CF1]

In my Baptist church raising hands is encouraged, modeled, and pretty common. We have some pretty heart felt worship. It's amazing. Probably about 1/4 of the people raise hands at various times. Maybe a bit more. At youth retreats, probably about 80%+ raise hands. The intensity level of worship is really high, due to incredible preaching and teaching that fills our hearts with God. But it is definitely Baptist in nature, not anything like Pentecostal.

 

[righteousdude2]

Common On CF1, Your Church is....

In my Baptist church raising hands is encouraged, modeled, and pretty common. We have some pretty heart felt worship. It's amazing. Probably about 1/4 of the people raise hands at various times. Maybe a bit more. At youth retreats, probably about 80%+ raise hands. The intensity level of worship is really high, due to incredible preaching and teaching that fills our hearts with God. But it is definitely Baptist in nature, not anything like Pentecostal.

....Bapticostal and you like it! :laugh: It's okay to say these two names in the same sentence. In fact, as the pendulum of time swings back to the right, the Pentecostals seem to be more sedate and liturgical in their worship style while the mainstream, pew-sitters are becoming more pew-jumping, hand-flying Pentecostals. :wavey: