Why????

[ROSAMARIA FABRIZIO]

I was thinking,,,,,,,,, What's the purpose of holding hands (in prayer) in church???? Is this something that is from GOD??????? May I have some opinions on this??? Thanks,,,,,,,, rosamaria :smilewinkgrin:

 

[rbell]

It gives our 14 year old guys a chance to make a move on that cute girl, while remaining spiritual.

Just kidding.

When we do it, I tell my kids it's just reminding us that when we come together as Christians to pray, we're one family...a unity thing.

I don't think it's a big deal if we didn't...I wouldn' t make a big deal if someone didn't wish to do it...and I certainly wouldn't make a fuss over it.

 

[Salty]

Normally, I prefer not to. I do not like holding hands with anybody, but my wife.

 

[Bob Farnaby]

I think its an attempt by some to show the unity of the group in prayer, a way of involving all - even the quiet ones who do not like to pray publically in a group and that we are doing it as one. I'm not aware of anything in scripture that either promotes or forbids it. Some folk like it, some don't. Personaly I'm in the 'don't' camp.

Regards
Bob

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

We, as a family, always hold hands we when say the blessing at mealtime.

I don't see much difference in holding hands at church when we pray, although our church doesn't do that.

 

[Martin]

I was thinking,,,,,,,,, What's the purpose of holding hands (in prayer) in church???? Is this something that is from GOD??????? May I have some opinions on this??? Thanks,,,,,,,, rosamaria

In my church we rarely do that. In a very large church I was a member of several years ago however we ended every service with everyone holding hands and singing one verse of a hymn/praise song (something like "Because He Lives" usually). It never bothered me that much. However there were times when it was a bit uncomfortable or weird. On the days where it was uncomfortable I wished they would not do it otherwise it did not bother me at all. If there was someone who, for whatever reason, I did not wish to hold hands with (even for a few seconds) I would usually just slip out before that part of the service. Sometimes the feeling is mutual and there is some sort of unconscious communication, between two people who most likely don't know each other, and both stand there without holding hands.

I left that church because, to be honest, it was too large. I got tired of not knowing most of the people who I passed by on any given Sunday. I like my current church (less than 500).

O, your question. I think it is for the purposes of fellowship.

 

[EdSutton]

Because!!! :smilewinkgrin:

Ed

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Why not???? :laugh: raying: :saint:

 

[Bro. James Reed]

Because that's what I was taught.

We rarely do it at church anymore. We still do it when we have gatherings at peoples' homes.

I think it is a unity/family thing.

I don't usually think about when we do it. If I see people start to grab for hands, something in my subconscious tells me to do the same.

Holding hands is very prevalent when we are visiting and praying over someone who is sick. It demonstrates a bond in Christ.

 

[abonmarche']

Boy, Why is it the leaders have big pow-wows and forget to tell you about it! You really hit a nail on the head when you asked that question. I can not find anthing in scripture about holding hands when praying. I AM REALLY DISTURBED ABOUT THIS! Not your fault. Jesus aways prayed to the "Father" by his self or at an ear-shot of his apostiles at these training sessions that apostiles were to pass on this legecy to others.
Only thought I had of "Why?" was maybe the leaders thought a large percentage of the group were babies in Christ. In 1Corinthians. 3:1-2, We read that Paul is speaking to his church body, I brethren could not speak unto you as unto spiritual things, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. IN verse 2--I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are able. What is this? Paul tells that some people hear the word of God and the seed of the the Word falls on a rock or barren ground. Meaning that they do not get it yet. But others kept reading the WORD of God and was able to see further down the road in our race for the crown in heaven. Other are so gound in the word certain things POP-up (not a computer windows thing) that the Spirit jumps to a rememberance of life and Jesus teachings. It could be that those who refuse to open their mouth to pray something could be those who do not know how to say hello to another person. College professors said they were double interverts--they loved living in tin cans. That is not what God called us to do--stay in tin cans. NOPE! we are to open our mouths and testify how God redeemed all of us. Even go to parts of the areas we never ventured into area. Mark 4:26 talks about seed cast on the ground also ! Peter 1:23 I love this one--Peter said being born again, NOT of corruptible seed. Yep that is us!! So, let not these little things bother you. Just be a Blessing to those around you and do not scare those born again still nursing on the baby bottle. Bye. I know I will get emails on this one.. Stepped on toes.

 

[amity]

How about just a nice, dignified handshake? At my church we walk around the church building shaking hands while singing the last hymn. Called "the right hand of fellowship."

I am not too hot on the handholding deal, and it seems a good many others feel that way. Never was too hot on group hugs, either. Definitely not with anonymous strangers at least.

 

[tinytim]

Why not???? :laugh: raying: :saint:

cooties,,,,

 

[TaterTot]

aaaaahhhhcccchhhhhhoooooooooooooo! Well hey there!!! (shake shake)