Raising Hands in Church

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miamited

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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.

I'm confused. I thought that the question was regarding the holding up of hands when offering praise and worship. This specific passage mentions only praying and says nothing about holding up hands, although I've never practiced holding up hands in prayer.

The OP is concerned that some people who hold up hands in praise and worship are, to them, similar to those who pray for a show. I disagree that the two are tied together. Praying is one part of the life of a believer. Offering praise and worship is another totally different habit of the believer and I'm pretty sure that the Scriptures are fairly clear that in praise and worship, we should make as much show and noise as we feel is befitting in our recognition of the King of Glory and Creation.

I believe that the OP is confused in his desire to tie both of these practices of the believer under one Scriptural warning to us as to how we should pray.

God bless,
In Christ, ted
 
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Kenny'sID

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The asinine habit Christians seem to have of questioning the sincerity of their fellow believers based on ways of worshipping or cultural differences reaches a new valley with threads like this.

Firstly, it's biblical, the Pharisees were show offs.

As to the question, is raising hands a show off?, I'd say no, not in private, but I've little doubt it can be in itself and along with other actions while praying. But either way, what you call an asinine habit is what another my see as the OP asking a serious question for the sake of being informed so they don't make assigned assumptions of what is wrong and what is right..

The bible is specific about praying by ourselves, and almost every denomination that I know of, goes against that rule so, would you "question the sincerity of those fellow believers"? Or do like most of us and not think twice about it because we are so used to it, it must be ok.

IOW, the OP brings up a good point.
 
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RDKirk

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The bible is specific about praying by ourselves, and almost every denomination that I know of, goes against that rule so,

But is it really so specific? Or did the congregation of Jerusalem--led by the Christ's disciples who actually heard His teaching in context and were better able to understand it than we are--get it wrong?

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
....
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
-- Acts 4

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
....
When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
-- Acts 12

The difference here is that the church is not praying as individuals for the sakes of themselves as individuals, but as a Body in one accord for a corporate purpose.
 
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Kenny'sID

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But is it really so specific? Or did the congregation of Jerusalem--led by the Christ's disciples who actually heard His teaching in context and were better able to understand it than we are--get it wrong?

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.
....
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
-- Acts 4

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
....
When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
-- Acts 12

The difference here is that the church is not praying as individuals for the sakes of themselves as individuals, but as a Body in one accord for a corporate purpose.

Yes, it is specific:

Matthew 6:5-6 ESV /
“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 others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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.

So, now what?

My point wasn't that is was bad to pray in regards to the way those prayed in you scripture, but that we should, at the very least, get a grip on why some are concerned about "showing off", because the bible does actually make that clear.

You kind of had to see the general flow of my post in order to understand the context there.

So, what do you think, is the scripture specific and clear that we should pray out of sight/earshot, of others? And if your answer is yes, what now? See the dilemma? :)
 
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Pioneer3mm

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I come from a Pentecostal background and I went through phases growing up trying to express worship authentically. Pentecostals have no issue with raising their hands but my issue was it was the same songs, and not just the same songs but even during certain moments of the song, typically the chorus. verse: hands down, chorus: hands go up, verse: hands go down, chorus: hands go up, lather rinse repeat. It was quite comical how well it could be predicted and it started to feel like the song was being worshiped not God asking questions like what is different with this song that people will raise their hands to over this old hymn? So I started to do the opposite, I would raise my hands when everyone put them down, and I would put them down when everyone put them up (I was a rebellious teenager). this progressed to me intently listening to the lyrics and using my hands as a way to affirm the lyrics rather than using other queues. older hymns not-surprisingly got more attention from this than anything thing else.

What I found is a lot of the songs people love are songs that talk about worshiping but not really explicit praise toward God. like "here I am to worship..." or "I'm coming back to a heart of worship..." it's confusing really to think about a worship song that we are using to worship that is about worship.

today I don't worry about those things, I come to church to give him glory, not for some other agenda and I enjoy entering in not just worship but corporate worship, or worshiping with other believers which is a lot about unity and being sensitive to the culture of the group you are with. so if everyone is rasing their hands then it is an enjoyment to join in, if no one likes doing that I can still join in their worship just as effectively.
1. About your Pentecostal background.
I have been involved in several denominational & nondenominational churches since 1970's.
- In broad spectrum of " Protestant " tradition.
**It seems that nondenominational churches become another denomination.. once established.
---
One of the churches was Pentecostal church.
- I met many people like you.. while I was there.
- They have seen that some people going through motion.
- They "raise hands and do certain behavior" during worship. Because they are supposed to do that in Pentecostal church!
- Even though they did not have genuine experience.
---
2. About focus of Contemporary Christian songs.
You seem to emphasize about "Glory of/to God".
I agree with you.
- "Glory of/to God" should be focus of songs/worship.
- I have been working with Christian leaders in "restricted countries" for many years.
- Glory of/to God is connected with mission theme.
My favorite song and hymn.
- "Glorify Thy Name" Maranatha song.
- "To God be the Glory" Hymn.
---
I am not sure that how much you are familiar with early/pioneering days of "Contemporary Christian Music" - 1960's & 1970's.
If not, I suggest to find out..
- You can see "changes" over the years.
---
Interesting to note..
During early days of Methodist Movement, "new songs" were composed and sung.
- They were despised and ridiculed by establishment.
- Those songs are now in Hymn book!
 
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WolfGate

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Firstly, it's biblical, the Pharisees were show offs.

As to the question, is raising hands a show off?, I'd say no, not in private, but I've little doubt it can be in itself and along with other actions while praying. But either way, what you call an asinine habit is what another my see as the OP asking a serious question for the sake of being informed so they don't make assigned assumptions of what is wrong and what is right..

The bible is specific about praying by ourselves, and almost every denomination that I know of, goes against that rule so, would you "question the sincerity of those fellow believers"? Or do like most of us and not think twice about it because we are so used to it, it must be ok.

IOW, the OP brings up a good point.

The OP may have been asking a serious question. Please note I didn't call out the OP; I called out the thread. The responses have, in many cases, demonstrated exactly the behavior I was referencing.
 
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aiki

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But I do think that raising one's hands is a display of appreciation and humility.

It can be, yes. But, again, there is no New Testament injunction to raise one's hands except in prayer.

Just as someone mentioned earlier, a parent loves it when their child holds their hands up to them, running towards them hands outstretched etc, and why wouldn't God?

Well, this assumes that God responds to us exactly as a human parent does to their child. I don't think God is much interested in what antics we perform in approaching Him. He is looking on a person's heart, the character of which does not require expression in the lifting of one's hands. He is not going to scoop us up into His arms, like a mother would her toddler, if we raise our hands during worship. No, His meeting with us is a spiritual thing, happening in stillness, and quietness, and as we are entirely absorbed, not with the physical posture of worship, but with the glory and excellence of our holy Maker.
 
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Kenny'sID

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The OP may have been asking a serious question. Please note I didn't call out the OP; I called out the thread. The responses have, in many cases, demonstrated exactly the behavior I was referencing.

Same here, it wasn't towards you personally, no worries.
 
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Ojpalosa

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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!"

Fantastic answer, thank you.
 
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Major1

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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?

Psalm 47:1 …….....

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! "

1 Timothy 2:8 …..

"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling".

It seems to me that the focus of the Scriptures is the position of the heart while worshipping the Lord. While I am not part of the Charismatic movement, IMO the raising of ones hands or clapping is something that we should be free to do if it is what the Holy Spirit is moving us to do.

In a lot of churches today, and I have been in hundreds over the years, at times it has felt as is I was sitting in a refrigerator. The "FROZEN CHOSEN" sit as if they were statues daring anyone to show emotion as if it is a sin.

If our focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ and we gathered to worship Him, who is to say that raising our hands to God and clapping is something that He does not approve of????

Psalms 22:3 in fact tells us that ...…...…...
“God inhabits the praises of His people” is an accurate rendering of the Hebrew of Psalm".

I would also say to all of you that there are many other positions in the worship of God
other than raised hands and clapping. There is also.....
STANDING.
KNEELING.
PROSTRATE.
EYES LIFED TO HEAVEN.
EYES CAST DOWN.

None of those things are "REQUIRED" and none of those things are "FORBIDDEN".

John 4:24 says......
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

Worship therefore is a spiritual happening and real worhip comes from the heart that is centered on Jesus Christ and when it is, God accepts or worship.
 
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Major1

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It's never been a part of the practice or tradition in any of the churches I've attended. I have no criticism of the practice, but I'm curious about the meaning and importance of this to those who do it so I'm signing on to this thread to learn.

In Jewish tradition it was customary to raise your hands toward heaven during prayer and worship.

1 Kings 8:54...………..
""And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

The raising of one's hands is one of the oldest forms of worship. When the Jews wanted to show their praise of God they would lift their hands.

Psalms 63:4-5...………….
"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."

I was told many years ago by a born again Jewish professor that the Jews held their hands out from their body and PALMS UP so as to catch the blessing from God which He would cast down to them.
 
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Pioneer3mm

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Psalm 47:1 …….....

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! "

1 Timothy 2:8 …..

"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling".

It seems to me that the focus of the Scriptures is the position of the heart while worshipping the Lord. While I am not part of the Charismatic movement, IMO the raising of ones hands or clapping is something that we should be free to do if it is what the Holy Spirit is moving us to do.

In a lot of churches today, and I have been in hundreds over the years, at times it has felt as is I was sitting in a refrigerator. The "FROZEN CHOSEN" sit as if they were statues daring anyone to show emotion as if it is a sin.

If our focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ and we gathered to worship Him, who is to say that raising our hands to God and clapping is something that He does not approve of????

Psalms 22:3 in fact tells us that ...…...…...
“God inhabits the praises of His people” is an accurate rendering of the Hebrew of Psalm".

I would also say to all of you that there are many other positions in the worship of God
other than raised hands and clapping. There is also.....
STANDING.
KNEELING.
PROSTRATE.
EYES LIFED TO HEAVEN.
EYES CAST DOWN.

None of those things are "REQUIRED" and none of those things are "FORBIDDEN".

John 4:24 says......
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

Worship therefore is a spiritual happening and real worhip comes from the heart that is centered on Jesus Christ and when it is, God accepts or worship.
You wrote, "...real worship comes from the heart.."
I agree.
---
"Frozen Chosen.."
I haven't heard that one before!!
 
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FireDragon76

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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.

In the ancient world, that was merely a common posture for prayer, with the hands upturned. In some churches, the priest or pastor still does that gesture during certain parts of the liturgy. It's very different from the folks that stick their hands up in the air over their heads like they are at a rock concert.


052IMG_1853-copy.jpeg
 
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Dave-W

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It's very different from the folks that stick their hands up in the air over their heads like they are at a rock concert.
Where do you think the rock concert people got it?
Elvis was raised in a pentecostal church. (Assembly of God)
 
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Ttalkkugjil

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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?

I do not. I have nothing against folks doing so, it just isn't my style.
 
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FireDragon76

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In Jewish tradition it was customary to raise your hands toward heaven during prayer and worship.

1 Kings 8:54...………..
""And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

The raising of one's hands is one of the oldest forms of worship. When the Jews wanted to show their praise of God they would lift their hands.

Psalms 63:4-5...………….
"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."

I was told many years ago by a born again Jewish professor that the Jews held their hands out from their body and PALMS UP so as to catch the blessing from God which He would cast down to them.

Yes, that gesture is called orans (from the Latin word for "praying"). My pastor does that gesture during the Collect of the day and other prayers, such as the Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy Lord...") and Anamensis or memorial prayer before Communion, it's very common in liturgical churches. In fact its common to all religions that originated in the middle east.

Where do you think the rock concert people got it?
Elvis was raised in a pentecostal church. (Assembly of God)

Still, I suspect the Pentecostal practice isn't exactly the same as what the Bible is referring to.
 
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seeking.IAM

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In Jewish tradition it was customary to raise your hands toward heaven during prayer and worship...

Also, in Jewish tradition, one covers their eyes when saying the Shema. There are many postures for prayer and worship deeply rooted in different traditions.
 
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Halbhh

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There is absolutely nothing wrong with emotions - in their proper place. God has made us emotional beings and it is unhealthy (and foolish) to carry on as though this isn't so. But in the evangelical Protestant church in the West, emotions have overrun Christian thinking and living. It seems to be that in an effort to avoid cold, lifeless religion, Christians have resorted to excessive emotionality in their worship of God in particular. No where, though, in Scripture does the equation more emotion = greater spirituality ever appear. One's walk with God will inevitably touch upon one's emotions but they are not the primary ground out of which the Christian life is lived and experienced. It is one's mind and will to which God makes His appeals and commands, not one's emotions.

Wonderfully He made us each unique, even though also we know there are clear temperaments such as being extroverted or introverted (a continuous scale).

Neither is better as you know, but also we are additionally unable to know what is in others' hearts (though we wonderfully know some at moments). God knows though.
 
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Swan7

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Some are naturally effusive, and some are naturally reserved, and some are naturally more emotional, and some less. (some like me might rarely raise their hands in front of others, but might in private at times, when no other person would ever see, but all can praise the Lord, in so many ways)

One time I remember I felt the urge to praise the Lord for all of these wonderful temperaments, so varied. What a blessing.

This wonderful song below also shows a good sized choir full of different temperaments the song helps bring out, which you can even see clearly here and there.


Isn't it wonderful that we are all together in Christ?

This reminds me of this passage: Ephesians 5:19
 
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Halbhh

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This reminds me of this passage: Ephesians 5:19
That's such a good verse to consider... Thank you for bringing it up. I am thinking on applying it more.
 
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