Benediction, from
In this fifth installment of “Worship Practices Explained,” a weekly blog column looking at various expressions of worship that may seem strange to the uninitiated, we look at the benediction:
Why Lift Our Hands Up For The Benediction?
The “benediction posture” is a raised hand and extended palm. It comes from the biblical experience known as “laying on of hands” that happened when one person blessed another. In the benediction, the people of God, acting as His representatives because they accept Jesus’ sacrifice for them, bless each other. The pastor or person who says the blessing lifts his hand toward the congregation. They lift their hands towards him, and after his blessing they say, “And also with you.”
The benediction posture is the last in which mortal people saw Jesus before He rose up into heaven after his resurrection, a final act of love through hands that had been pierced with nails for us. For this reason, it is good for worship services to end in blessing, too.
Straight From The Source: Luke 24:50
“When he (Jesus) had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.”
Past “Worship Practices Explained” in this series:
Why Christians Often Pray On Bended Knees
Why Many Christians Raise Their Hands When Singing And Praying
Why Do Some Christians Clap Hands In Church?
Why Stand For The Reading Of Scripture?
“Benediction” artwork from Sojourn’s “Before the Throne” visual arts project, a companion piece to the liturgically themed Before the Throne music CD. Hear our benediction song from that project, “All Good Gifts,” written by Sojourn’s Michael Morgan.
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Great thoughts, Bobby. Sojourn’s benediction can sometimes be mysterious in that it’s not discussed very often the reason for it. So I like your teaching here.