When we worship in song there are many ways for us to express our worship other than just singing it. One of the most common ways to do this is raising or “lifting” our hands.

This has become a normal expression of worship for me but I have come to realize that for new Christians, people who haven’t been around church very long or people coming from all sorts of other church backgrounds, this expression can come across a little weird or awkward. I can see where they might get that from but once you experience the freedom that lifting your hands gives you during worship and how much it can enhance your worship time, it won’t be nearly as weird J

Raising your hands represents a physical expression of surrender. A sign that you relinquish control and submit to a higher authority. That is exactly what it means as we lift our hands during worship.

Here are a few Verses that speak of raising hands.

Psalm 134:2 ‘Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

1 Timothy 2:8 ‘I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.’

These passages to me show that raising hands was not only suggested but the norm during times of worship and prayer.

I would like to issue you a challenge this week and hope to stretch you in your expressions of worship.

If this is a bit awkward for you, make yourself raise your hand(s) at some point during your worship. Even if just for a few seconds and let me know about your experience.