Let us lift up our hearts and hands
This phrase calls for an act of worship and surrender. In biblical times, lifting hands was a common posture of prayer and supplication, symbolizing openness and a desire to receive from God. The heart, in Hebrew thought, represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. This dual action of lifting both heart and hands signifies a complete offering of oneself to God, an act of humility and dependence. This is reminiscent of Psalm 141:2, where the psalmist desires his prayer to be set before God as incense, and the lifting of hands as the evening sacrifice.

to God in heaven:
This phrase acknowledges the sovereignty and transcendence of God. The reference to "heaven" emphasizes God's exalted position above all creation, reinforcing His authority and power. In the context of Lamentations, where the people of Judah are experiencing profound suffering and exile, this acknowledgment serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control and the hope that He hears their cries. This aligns with the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9, where Jesus teaches His disciples to address God as "Our Father in heaven," highlighting both intimacy and reverence.

1. Jeremiah
Traditionally attributed as the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet." He laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people.

2. Jerusalem
The city that has been destroyed by the Babylonians, leading to the lament and mourning expressed in the book.

3. Babylonian Exile
The event during which the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians, leading to the context of the lament.

4. God in Heaven
The focus of the lament and prayer, representing the divine authority and hope for restoration.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who are experiencing suffering and are called to repentance and prayer.Heartfelt Prayer
The act of lifting our hearts and hands signifies a deep, sincere approach to prayer. It is not just a physical act but a spiritual posture of surrender and dependence on God.

Repentance and Renewal
In the context of Lamentations, lifting hearts and hands is an act of repentance. It is a call to turn back to God, acknowledging our sins and seeking His mercy.

God's Sovereignty
Recognizing God as the one in heaven reminds us of His ultimate authority and power. Our prayers are directed to a God who is sovereign and capable of restoring and healing.

Community in Lament
The call to lift "our" hearts and hands suggests a communal aspect of prayer and lament. As believers, we are encouraged to come together in times of distress, supporting one another in faith.

Hope in Despair
Even in the midst of suffering, lifting our hearts and hands to God is an act of hope. It acknowledges that God is our refuge and strength, even when circumstances seem dire.(41) With our hands.--Literally, to our hands. There is, as it were, a psychological analysis of prayer. Men can by an act of will, lift up the heart as the centre of affection: this, in its turn, prompts the outward act of the uplifted hands of supplication; God is the final object to whom the prayer is addressed.

Verse 41. - Our heart with our hands. It is to be sincere prayer; "spreading out the hands" is not enough by itself (Isaiah 1:25).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Let us lift up
נִשָּׂ֤א (niś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

our hearts
לְבָבֵ֙נוּ֙ (lə·ḇā·ḇê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

and hands
כַּפָּ֔יִם (kap·pā·yim)
Noun - fd
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

God
אֵ֖ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

in heaven:
בַּשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (baš·šā·mā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky


Lamentations 3:41 NIV
Lamentations 3:41 NLT
Lamentations 3:41 ESV
Lamentations 3:41 NASB
Lamentations 3:41 KJV

Lamentations 3:41 BibleApps.com
Lamentations 3:41 Biblia Paralela
Lamentations 3:41 Chinese Bible
Lamentations 3:41 French Bible
Lamentations 3:41 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Lamentations 3:41 Let us lift up our heart (Lam. La Lm)