Raising of hands in the church

[garee]

How about you keep your cessationist propaganda to the other thirteen threads on the subject instead of infecting this one with it, where it is distinctly off-topic!

Thanks. My hands are upraised.

 

[JaumeJ]

Raise holy hands to the Lord with shouts of joy and praise, amen.

 

[Lanolin]

OP that seems a bit harsh.

When I was teaching Bible in schools we would always have a song and the children who were five or six year olds at the time. The one they really liked was Gods love goes on and on forever. i made up a dance they could do which involved spinning around till they were dizzy and some hand actions. Most of all of them joined in because it was fun. Mind you these were children who wanted to learn bible, it was not all of the class because they could opt out if they didnt want to learn.

Movement and hand actions are simply an expression of joy in worship.
At other times it will be bowing or being still which is equally reverent.

The thing these days is most worship services seem to be held indoors which is a shame. If they were held outdoors everyone would be raising their hands to the heavens. As it is when I look up, I just see the ceiling and flourescent lights...often not very inspiring!

 

[JaumeJ]

We are all children who want to learn Bible, the Word, for we want to know Jesus.

Although I was not yet in the place I am as a child, I believed and believe because of a song, just like your children, "Jesus Loves Me." So it seems we kow that God's love keeps us with Hiim, we, His children, amen. Thank you for your insight ad wonderful share. God bless you, amen.

 

[Absolutely]

Is this a Biblical practice? Why do we do it? What are the origins of it? Within this, I'm also interested in the origins of various other kinds of worship "practices" we do in the church such as clapping of hands, etc.

Thought I'd share a story here, from my childhood. When I was a youngster (about 10 or 11), I was in the kids ministry one Sunday. Me not being the most outspoken or demonstrative person would tend to stand but not move about much or dance during worship as many of the other kids were doing. One day, I was pulled out of church and disciplined and threatened for my perceived "lack of reverence" for God. It took me many years before I felt comfortable even raising hands to God in church again, as this incident affected me deeply.

That is a travesty. Sickens me.
I am a charismatic,and have witnessed this.
I wish i had a say in those heavy handed abusive bullyings.

Now,the nasty aftermath is actually not a problem,because,like dino said,we have such beauty in our powerful saviour. Jesus will always make beauty out of ashes. Our brokenness offered to him. He heals,restores,and adds vitality and life.

Ironically,lifting hands is surrender. I surrender to Jesus. I give him my total allegience,ambition,goals,and life.
I am saying,with hands lifter up,"i offer myself to you Jesus...take me away,i am yours forever"

 

[John146]

Is this a Biblical practice? Why do we do it? What are the origins of it? Within this, I'm also interested in the origins of various other kinds of worship "practices" we do in the church such as clapping of hands, etc.

Thought I'd share a story here, from my childhood. When I was a youngster (about 10 or 11), I was in the kids ministry one Sunday. Me not being the most outspoken or demonstrative person would tend to stand but not move about much or dance during worship as many of the other kids were doing. One day, I was pulled out of church and disciplined and threatened for my perceived "lack of reverence" for God. It took me many years before I felt comfortable even raising hands to God in church again, as this incident affected me deeply.

Raising hands as an expression is biblical if the words you are singing are teaching biblical truth. Raising hands because you like the beat or that climax of the song is coming is just an emotional feeling that doesn’t last. Facts not feelings. The songs we sing should teach biblical truth.

 

[ToastAndTea]

That is a travesty. Sickens me.
I am a charismatic,and have witnessed this.
I wish i had a say in those heavy handed abusive bullyings.

Now,the nasty aftermath is actually not a problem,because,like dino said,we have such beauty in our powerful saviour. Jesus will always make beauty out of ashes. Our brokenness offered to him. He heals,restores,and adds vitality and life.

Ironically,lifting hands is surrender. I surrender to Jesus. I give him my total allegience,ambition,goals,and life.
I am saying,with hands lifter up,"i offer myself to you Jesus...take me away,i am yours forever"

I have another story, from the same church. Along a similar sort of thread, one day we had a message on being prayed for for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and I went forward for prayer as I wanted to receive this gift. I really felt God's presence in a real and dynamic way but then as I was at the front being prayed for, someone next to me said to me in a very direct manner "just raise your hands like this" and tried to raise or pull my hands upward, and that simple utterance took me completely out of the moment. It was almost as if in order to receive the gift of the Spirit, I needed to perform a specific action in that moment. Why should we have to perform in such a way in order to receive God's blessing? I felt very awkward in that moment. I don't know if anyone else has had this happen to them.

 

[Waggles]

I don't know if anyone else has had this happen to them.

Discipline is the safeguard against emotionalism and fleshly conduct.
Notice in the epistles the constant references to being sober and grave; and to temperance (self control).
We do not have any hoo-haa nonsense that supposedly enables something spiritual to happen.
New believers are taken to a prayer room and sat on a chair (or they can stand in the prayer line) and hands are laid on them by
others and we pray over them while the new person is praying for the Holy Spirit.
When a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit they speak in tongues and they know themselves that they have received God within.
Simples.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

Is this a Biblical practice? Why do we do it? What are the origins of it? Within this, I'm also interested in the origins of various other kinds of worship "practices" we do in the church such as clapping of hands, etc. [\QUOTE]

The most direct reference I know is 1 Tim 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

I well know the times spent in worship trying to “man-up” not showing an emotion when knowing men of old were quick to deny pride of steely “self control”. My Lord taught me to quit being so selfish with Him. I realized since I refused to worship Him before others that He would not allow me to enjoy being used for His kingdom. Raising hands in His mighty presence is the least I should do. Oh the cost of pride those too many years!

 

[stonesoffire]

Is this a Biblical practice? Why do we do it? What are the origins of it? Within this, I'm also interested in the origins of various other kinds of worship "practices" we do in the church such as clapping of hands, etc.

Thought I'd share a story here, from my childhood. When I was a youngster (about 10 or 11), I was in the kids ministry one Sunday. Me not being the most outspoken or demonstrative person would tend to stand but not move about much or dance during worship as many of the other kids were doing. One day, I was pulled out of church and disciplined and threatened for my perceived "lack of reverence" for God. It took me many years before I felt comfortable even raising hands to God in church again, as this incident affected me deeply.

I wasn’t looking for an answer to this, but was doing a word study on Zechariah, and came across the answer to this OP.

It’s found in the name Judah. Interesting to note too that Jesus came from this tribe.

Judah:

H3034


יָדָה


yâdâh


yaw-daw'


A primitive root; used only as denominative from H3027; literally to use (that is, hold out) the hand; physically to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively to bemoan (by wringing the hands): - cast (out), (make) confess (-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank (-ful, -s, -sgiving).

Total KJV occurrences: 114

Plus:


H3027


H3027 = AHLB# 1211-A (N)


1211) Di% (Di% YD) ac: Throw co: Hand ab: Thanks: The pictograph i is a picture of a hand, the d is a picture of door that allows movement in and out of the tent. Combined these mean "hand moves". The hand is the part of the body that enables man to perform many works. (eng: yard - with the addition of the r, a measurement equal to the length of the arm)


A) Di% (Di% YD) ac: ? co: Hand ab: ?: With the hand one can throw away or grab hold, kill or heal, make or destroy.


Nf) Di% (Di% YD) - Hand: [Hebrew and Aramaic] [df: Ky] [freq. 1632] |kjv: hand, by, him, power, tenons, thee, coast, side| {H3027, H3028, H3197}


if1) Edft% (Edft% TW-DH) - I. Thanks: II. Confession: In the sense of raising up the hands. [freq. 32] |kjv: thanksgiving, praise, thanks, confession| {H8426}


B) Ddi% (Ddi% YDD) ac: Throw co: ? ab: ?: The work of the hand.


V) Ddi% (Ddi% Y-DD) - Throw: [freq. 3] (vf: Paal) |kjv: cast| {H3032}


G) Dei% (Dei% YHD) ac: ? co: Hand ab: ?: The throwing out of the hand for throwing, praising, or confessing.


V) Dei% (Dei% Y-HD) - Jew: To be from the tribe of Judah. [A denominative verb from the name Yehudah (Judah)] [freq. 1] (vf: Hitpael) |kjv: Jew| {H3054}


H) Edi% (Edi% YDH) ac: Throw co: Hand ab: ?: The throwing out of the hand for throwing, praising, or confessing.


V) Edi% (Edi% Y-DH) - I. Throw: [df: hdh] II. Praise: [Hebrew and Aramaic] III. Confess: In the sense of raising up the hands. [freq. 117] (vf: Paal, Hiphil, Hitpael, Piel) |kjv: praise, thank, confess, thanksgiving, cast, shoot, put| {H1911, H3029, H3034}

 

[Nehemiah6]

Is this a Biblical practice?

The Jews did lift up their hands in prayer, but as a gesture of raising up their prayers (the hands positioned as though one would lift up a baby and give it to its mother). The modern custom is quite different, and would be more common among Pentecostals and Charismatics.

Why do we do it?

Not all Christians do it. Many just get on their knees and pray. Or stand or sit, depending.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

The Jews did lift up their hands in prayer, but as a gesture of raising up their prayers (the hands positioned as though one would lift up a baby and give it to its mother). The modern custom is quite different, and would be more common among Pentecostals and Charismatics.

Not all Christians do it. Many just get on their knees and pray. Or stand or sit, depending.

True but Paul said his mission was to teach the gentiles to raise hands up as did Jews. Since I am a gentile Christian that instruction is for me. There must not be disputing about the practice nor even what is prayed about.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

The Jews did lift up their hands in prayer, but as a gesture of raising up their prayers (the hands positioned as though one would lift up a baby and give it to its mother). The modern custom is quite different, and would be more common among Pentecostals and Charismatics.

Not all Christians do it. Many just get on their knees and pray. Or stand or sit, depending.

So then one in the world reading that might know which two groups have holy hands! Actually we should better know a high priest in the temple had no chair to sit nor mention of taking a knee in God’s presence. Where is instruction to take that modern custom to be appropriate? Religious art portrays that I realize.

Paul didn’t link the Jew’s way there but stated a very simple instruction based on very simple facts to raise holy hands, without doubt or disputing. Otherwise it might mean to raise hands when praying is hypocrisy among men lacking in holiness. Perhaps even more so when praise and worship is being practiced. That might well be the reason modern men just won’t raise hands.

 

[JaumeJ]

Psa 28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

When I pray I do lift up my hands as an obedient gesture towards Jerusalem. My hear, mind and soul are directing my prayers to the Holy One in the New Jerusalem on the throne of David.

I pray for (new) Jerusalem's peace, prosperity and establishemn now and forever, and for the speedy return of God to gather us fromthe four winds…...

 

[Lifted_by_the_word]

Nobody mentioned the feeling in your hands while raising them in song worship?Thought that's what others felt while seeing them doing it.It's like your hands are heating up,along with a tingling sensation.Like being on fire for the Lord.

 

[Absolutely]

I have another story, from the same church. Along a similar sort of thread, one day we had a message on being prayed for for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and I went forward for prayer as I wanted to receive this gift. I really felt God's presence in a real and dynamic way but then as I was at the front being prayed for, someone next to me said to me in a very direct manner "just raise your hands like this" and tried to raise or pull my hands upward, and that simple utterance took me completely out of the moment. It was almost as if in order to receive the gift of the Spirit, I needed to perform a specific action in that moment. Why should we have to perform in such a way in order to receive God's blessing? I felt very awkward in that moment. I don't know if anyone else has had this happen to them.

Well it is normal.
With salvation it says with the heart man belives and confession is made unto salvation.
So we see an action,confession,made unto salvation.
When God comes in contact with man there is change,something changes.
The blind man had to go wash.
The rich man had to sell
The 5 foolish had to go buy
The woman with the bleeding had to reach out.
The man with a withered hand had to stretch it foreward.
Sometimes we just have to see God work and smile.
Maybe you look too deeply into what God wants you to just rest and enjoy!

 

[shittim]

Is holding out the hands to receive a gift Biblical?
He is the Giver of ALL good gifts, I always receive when I am
prompted by the Spirit to do so, your mileage may vary.

 

[tourist]

What about the practice of falling backward slain in the Spirit? Is that the gospel or Praise and worship ?

No, that's part of Benny Hinn's routine in an attempt to fleece the flock.

 

[garee]

Well it is normal.
With salvation it says with the heart man belives and confession is made unto salvation.
So we see an action,confession,made unto salvation.
When God comes in contact with man there is change,something changes.
The blind man had to go wash.
The rich man had to sell
The 5 foolish had to go buy
The woman with the bleeding had to reach out.
The man with a withered hand had to stretch it foreward.
Sometimes we just have to see God work and smile.
Maybe you look too deeply into what God wants you to just rest and enjoy!

Yes a change .

Looking deeper into the mysteries of faith. Some remain mysteries that surpass our understanding. Some are found in parables. .They all together as different manners make up peace of God who is not a man as us... that which surpass our understanding, as our living hope .

I would offer.. We simply do not know eternal God, not seen. A God who cannot be known after the temporal things as rudiments of this world after the oral traditions of men .

Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

All of those examples you offered shows us that God, not seen, was working in them giving them his faith so they could believe. Signs follow, a imputed righteousness . Prophecy the unseen faith principle leads . They point back to the unseen work, not the revealing of it the sign after the work is finsihed (upside down) when we do rightly divide the word of God things become right side up. Doctrines fall not rise form the dust. .

Its never about flesh and blood. But a new creation. We do not wrestles against the rudiments of this corrupted world and neither does it (corruption) defend us.

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

You could say (2 Corinthians 4:18) One of the formulas or prescriptions for the law of faith mixing faith (Hebrews 4:2) needed to help us rightly divide the words of Faith comparing its unseen spiritual meaning to the same spiritual .Also called faith to faith.(the gospel Romans 1:16-17)'

I beleive as apologist (all Christians) we defend the new born again faith that works in us both to will and do His good pleasure as our imputed righteousness. It as it is written defends us. If we have the armor on, and keep it on. The commandment is a one time work as I understand. Not put on take off. No armor for the back .He is our rear guard in that way. One of my favorites of David. When I awake you are still there. The love of God, awaking us, giving us a desire to love him and follow.

He surrounds the whole camp of grasshoppers.

Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Not making any name to claim but. One is the teacher in heaven Maybe you do not look in a different way into of what God wants you. Maybe a different kind of rest that could add to yours?

The spiritual meaning in parables is hid for some reason?

Its not a salvation thing but more of how do we each hear God as we seek his approval as we are commanded to Study as a way of continuing to seek His approval?

 

[garee]

No, that's part of Benny Hinn's routine in an attempt to fleece the flock.

The work of the counterfeiter. (the father of lies) Turning things upside down .Calling good evil, and evil good. What God calls seperate man and woman, he calls it one. If God says in regard to the sign of tongues. God mocking those who will not belive prophecy, a mockery towards God and the falling backward as two signs . The up-side-downer, counterfeiter makes it all one as a blessing making the blessing to no effect. If the Holy Spirit says you will surely dies the counterfeiter says surely you will not,

We walk by faith. The kingdom of God comes not by observation.