Raise Your Hands (Pt. 2)

Is it scriptural to raise our hands when we pray? Is it something we have to do?

That is the question we began answering in last week's article and the one we are continuing to address today, wherein we look at the practice in the New Testament. As we saw in the previous piece, the use of raising one's hands is varied. 

We see examples in prayer (1 Kgs. 8:22-23), in blessing others (Lev. 9:22), in praising God (Neh. 8:6), in fulfilling a vow (Psa. 10:12), and in a few other incidents. It is just the same in the New Testament.

Jesus lifted His hands to bless others (Lk. 24:50), angels raised their hands to swear oaths (Rev. 10:5-6), and so on. Now, I want you to notice that, unlike moments in the Old Testament, none of these references connect to a corporate worship setting. And, while the question I received was not asking about a worship setting, I would be wrong not to mention it. 

Now, let us look at the verse most often referenced. It is in Paul's first letter to Timothy, and it reads:

"8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension" (1 Tim. 2:8).

In the more significant connection of this verse, Paul is instructing people "so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God" (1 Tim. 3:15). So, then, as we read our verse, we are in the broadest conduct of the church, a more narrow context of worship, and a still narrower context of prayer in worship. And what does it say?

– That those who raise their hands should be 'men.'

– That the only time they should raise their hands is during prayer.

– Their hands should be 'holy.'

In this passage, Paul outlines differences in male and female roles in the church (2:9 begins with Paul's instructions for women). Since this passage specifically addresses men, Christians should not employ it to call everyone to raise their hands.

The idea of 'holy hands' refers to innocence as it was in the Old Testament (Psa. 26:6; Isa. 1:15). It is also a New Testament principle (Mt. 5:23-24). 

Next week, we will examine the second question: "Is it something we have to do?"