⁸Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Division and judgment among Christians are not uncommon. Some theological issues rightly divide, as does unrepentant sin. Hand raising, ironically, seems to be relatively high on the spectrum of matters causing consternation and critical spirits—by those who practice and those who do not. Ironically, we have even given the practice a name, “hand raising.” Can you imagine asking a fellow believer whether they engage in the practice of “knee bending?” The early believers would have scratched their heads at this. We should give more focus on the practice of “heart humbling.”

But why is this practice a problem among Bible-believing Christians today? The reasons are diverse. First, some fear this is a slippery slope that leads to emotional worship rather than a cognitive, meditative presentation before God. Second, to some, this gesture of hand raising is symbolic of a theological system that puts feelings and experience ahead of biblical knowledge and truth. Third, lifting hands can be a hypocritical show of one’s piety, similar to the Pharisees ostentatiously tossing their offerings into loud metal collection vases. Fourth, the pressure to conform can distract the worshipper from focusing on the Lord. Fifth, lifting hands can become only an outward performance that covers over an inward coldness. Six, some may try to impress God with this outward show. Seventh, when many lift hands there can be a sense of judgment on those who do not.

Yes, the reasons are many. But the verse today stands unapologetically. Paul writes this as one who “was appointed a preacher and an apostle . . . as a teacher . . . in faith and truth” (1 Tim. 2:7). This does not seem to be optional.

Some see Paul as stressing posture here, but we think it better to understand this as a figure of speech for prayer itself. A quick summary of Scripture shows that lifting hands was not uncommon. It was used when crying to God for help (Ps. 28:2), seeking God (Ps. 63:1), blessing someone (Luke 24:50), meditating on God’s word (Ps. 119:48), praying and praising God in general (Ps. 134:1–3), and indicating a pure heart to God (Ps. 24:3–4). In every case, the outward actions reflected the orientation of the heart, an authentic, humble, dependent yearning for God. Let prayer not be reduced to an outward show of piety that masks conflict and dissension. Let us lift our hearts humbly as a fellowship of believers before the Lord in prayer. Let us not judge those who enjoy the freedom to lift holy hands along with holy hearts.

Lord, I lift up my heart to You in praise for the holy fellowship of believers.