The Highway Forums General Discussion ExCharisma Bible Reading

From this text, from Paul who gives explicit regulations on worship and particularly the role of men and women in worship, e.g., only men are to hold offices in the Church and take the leadership, it is clear that the praying and the lifting up of hands is to be done ONLY by the men. This is very much contrary to what we see in most places today that encourage/allow the raising of hands in worship. Also note that the lifting up of hands is to be done in conjunction with prayer; not singing, extemporaneously, etc.

Secondly, the lifting up of the hands or in fact, any bodily posture must be in accordance with the inner attitude of the soul. In other words, it shouldn't be done haphazardly but specifically in regard to the attitude within the man's heart during his praying.

Lastly, the one praying with uplifted hands must be "blameless" from sins, e.g., unresolved disputes with another brother, etc.

With those qualifications, it is appropriate for a man to lift up his hands when praying in the public worship of God.

In His grace,