Raise Your Hands (Pt. 3)

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

This week, we conclude our short article series on the above question by addressing, "Is it something we have to do?"

Throughout my time as a Christian, I have witnessed – and I am confident you have as well – a variety of postures regarding praying. There have been men who have raised their hands, folded their hands in front of their chests, knelt before the congregation, and positioned themselves in other fashions. Because of this, one may ask: "Is one more 'religious' than another? Which displays more humility, if any?"

To the first point, it is not required of us any more than having a specific 'prayer closet' as our Lord mentioned in Matthew 6:6 – though there is nothing wrong with this either. As we have seen, there is a scriptural basis for raising one's hands when praying/praising God. However, there is also a historical basis for folding one's hands, as many believe this practice arose when Rome persecuted Christians, and their hands were shackled; thus, they could not lift their palms to the heavens.

To the second point, not one posture shows more humility than another, as humility is a condition of the mind and the heart. In matters of corporate worship, such a state can be distracting, especially if one has not witnessed this practice. In some cultures, it may be considered inappropriate to the point of blasphemy. For example, having a palm raised in Vietnam can signal confusion and may psychologically infer that one does not understand. Would any of us want to pray while others look on, thinking we are ignorant of what we are doing?

God looks to the man's heart (1 Sam. 16:7), not his outward appearance. And, as well-meaning as a man may be when standing before the congregation with his hands lifted to pray – which, admittedly, I have been tempted to do at times – he must consider the audience. Would they focus more on him than God? If so, he should not do it, as prayer is to draw our hearts and minds to the throne of heaven. If he were in a local restaurant, what opinion of Christianity would he create in the minds of onlookers? Would it be positive or negative?

To close, whether in public or private practice, consider your motivation. Is it to draw attention to God or yourself? Are you prepared to explain your actions biblically if in the presence of others? We are not to be like the Pharisees, whom Jesus called hypocrites, that they would do such things to be seen by men. God will look to the heart of the person. God will see what motivates them. God will be the judge of its impact on others. Be sure, though, that "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Col. 3:17).