Do you raise your hands in Church during worship? I often wonder about people who do this. Is it biblical or are they just like the hypocrites that were spoken of in Matthew 6:5 & 6:6. Opinions?
You talk as though that is a dogma or a commandment. Its neither.1 Timothy 2:8
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
To NOT lift hands is a violation of this scripture.
1 Timothy 2:8
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
To NOT lift hands is a violation of this scripture.
This has nothing to do with lifting hands does it.Matthew 6:5-6
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
This has nothing to do with lifting hands does it.
Whether praying alone at home or in a gathering, I regularly lift my hands to my Lord and King as an act of love and worship.
To me its no different to my children 40 years ago lifting their hands to me or my wife.
I am more concerned for those who are too self conscious to lift their hands. Its like they are embarrassed to be seen showing any joy or affection in their relationship with the Lord.
Do you have evidence that those people our Lord was criticizing were raising hands?Yes it does.
The hypocrits would stand on street corners making sure everyone could see them praying.
In todays 'modern' churches we have people competing to see who can lift their hands higher, shout the loudest, roll around the floor the most, to show people how much they are worshipping / 'praying' to God.
There is no real need to do so. Prayer comes from inward acts not outward signs.
The 'happy clappy' type churches just look so irreverent etc.
Absolutely. Or prostrating themselves face down?how many people who are not too self-conscious to lift their hands ARE too self-conscious to KNEEL in church? Plenty, it seems. There are over 30 Bible verses that speak of the appropriateness of that posture, more than speak of lifting hands.
I’ve spent many years in charismatic and Pentecostal churches where this practice is common, and yes I’ve done it myself in an effort to find that intimacy we all seek. However I would have to agree with those who suggest there is a strong element of showmanship with this type of worship, especially as the focus begins to centre on us rather than Christ.Whether praying alone at home or in a gathering, I regularly lift my hands to my Lord and King as an act of love and worship.
To me its no different to my children 40 years ago lifting their hands to me or my wife.
I am more concerned for those who are too self conscious to lift their hands. Its like they are embarrassed to be seen showing any joy or affection in their relationship with the Lord.
Many people are so bound up with church formalism that they cannot imagine what freedom in the Holy Spirit looks like.
I suspect when they meet the Lord they will make an awkward bow and stick their hand out, "How do you do sir!"
I never did it back in my evangelical days. I didn’t find it dignified, personally.I am more concerned for those who are too self conscious to lift their hands. Its like they are embarrassed to be seen showing any joy or affection in their relationship with the Lord
I agree,lots of people at my church lift up their hands,when we sing the workship songs.Everyone worships/prays different. Theres no right or wrong way. And in the end its not like Gods going to say "Sorry, I can't let you into heaven. You didn't raise your hands!"