Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical tradition, the act of lifting hands in prayer is a significant gesture that symbolizes supplication, surrender, and worship. This practice is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and reflects a posture of humility and dependence on God. The lifting of hands is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, serving as a physical expression of an inner spiritual reality.Old Testament References The practice of lifting hands in prayer is evident in the Old Testament. In Exodus 17:11-12, Moses lifts his hands during the battle against the Amalekites: "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down." This passage illustrates the power of intercessory prayer and the communal support in maintaining a posture of prayer. In the Psalms, the lifting of hands is often associated with worship and seeking God's favor. Psalm 28:2 states, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." Similarly, Psalm 63:4 declares, "So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands." These verses highlight the connection between physical gestures and heartfelt devotion. New Testament Context The New Testament continues this tradition, emphasizing the importance of purity and sincerity in prayer. In 1 Timothy 2:8 , Paul instructs, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." This directive underscores the need for holiness and unity among believers as they approach God in prayer. The lifting of hands is also seen in the context of blessing and impartation. In Luke 24:50 , Jesus lifts His hands to bless His disciples before His ascension: "When He had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them." This act signifies the transmission of divine favor and authority. Symbolism and Significance The gesture of lifting hands in prayer is rich with symbolism. It represents an open and receptive posture, indicating a willingness to receive from God. It also signifies surrender, acknowledging God's sovereignty and the believer's dependence on Him. In communal worship, the lifting of hands can serve as a unifying act, drawing the congregation together in a shared expression of faith and devotion. Throughout the Bible, the lifting of hands is a powerful reminder of the believer's relationship with God. It is an outward expression of an inward reality, reflecting a heart that seeks to honor and glorify the Creator. Whether in times of personal prayer, corporate worship, or intercession, the act of lifting hands remains a timeless and meaningful practice in the life of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 141:2Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 3:41 Library Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer... Answer to Objections: Conditions Necessary to Prayer The Geometry of Prayer Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord (Continued) Jesus Christ an Example of Prayer The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us! Selfishness and Prayer. A Contrast. A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ... Our Saviour's Prayers. Resources When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through His hands or His wrists? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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