See part one of this series (Why Christians Often Pray On Bended Knees) for an explanation of why we’re presenting information that is probably obvious to many sojournmusic.com readers.  This series will run a few more times, once per week, and hopefully answer questions from those who are curious about certain expressions of Christian worship.

Why Raise Our Hands When Singing And Praying?

You will often see someone lift one or both hands toward heaven in a worship service. There are thirty-nine Bible verses which describe hand-raising in blessing or “supplication” (a humble plea). When someone prays or sings with palms turned up, it’s like they’re saying “I want whatever You have for me, God. I want your Spirit; I want to do Your will.” Think about it-when you hold out your hands, palm-up, it means you’re receiving whatever someone is giving you.

And when you see someone with arms raised and reaching out, they’re showing their dependence and hunger for God, like a baby who lifts her arms towards her parents-the baby is trying to say, “Pick me up, hold me.”

Straight From The Source: Psalm 134:2, 1 Timothy 2:8

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.”

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”

• description: A look at the biblical and historical reasons why Christians often raise their hands when they pray and when they sing in church.
• keywords: worship, praying, singing, psalm, supplication, prayer
• title: Why Christians Raise Their Hands When Singing And Praying

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