"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands."
Psalm 63:4
In the realm of worship, the act of raising hands can be a topic that stirs curiosity and raises questions. For many, it seems strange or unfamiliar, and the significance behind it remains elusive. As someone who once shared these sentiments, I discovered the profound meaning of raising hands through the study of scripture.
Growing up in the church, I observed people raising their hands during worship, but I never understood the purpose behind this practice. It reminded me of the energetic crowds at secular concerts, with their hands raised in excitement. It seemed odd to bring such a worldly gesture into the church. However, delving into the Word of God opened my eyes to the true essence of raising hands in worship.
Scripture reveals that we were all created to worship. Whether intentional or unintentional, we are constantly worshiping someone or something. Raising hands becomes an act of surrender, an acknowledgement that we need God. Picture a young child reaching their hands up to their parents, seeking to be lifted and embraced. Similarly, when parents return home, their child runs to them with arms raised, expressing their eagerness to be close. The child desires to be lifted to the parent's level, to gain a perspective from their vantage point.
Moreover, consider the posture of surrender in a battle or conflict - both hands raised in surrender. It signifies the declaration, "I surrender, my life is in your hands." Raising hands in worship holds the same essence of surrender and trust in God's authority.
As a young person, witnessing people raising their hands at concerts, I failed to recognize the true nature of this act. Raising hands in that context was an expression of adoration and praise towards a celebrity or performer. It was a form of worship, although many did not realize it. Thus, I initially mistook the act of raising hands in the church as a secular practice infiltrating sacred spaces. Yet, it is an inherent aspect of worship that should be directed towards our Creator.
When we raise our hands in worship, we convey the following messages to God:
We long to draw near to Him.
We yearn to experience His embrace and comfort.
We desire to see things from His perspective.
We willingly surrender our lives, wills, and agendas to Him.
We seek a deeper connection with Him.
We declare our love for Him.
Raising hands to the Lord is a beautiful act of surrender and praise. The manner in which we lift our hands is inconsequential; what truly matters is the intention behind it. Every individual's journey is unique, and therefore, the expression of surrender through raising hands will vary. For someone who has never raised their hands before, even a slight lifting may symbolize sacrifice and surrender. Those accustomed to raising one hand may find raising both hands as an act of surrender. And for those who habitually raise both hands, dancing might be their expression of surrender.
As long as we adhere to the Word of God and raise our hands in worship, the physical form it takes becomes secondary. The most vital aspect is the condition of our hearts and our willingness to surrender and offer our Creator the praise and worship that is rightfully His.
