26/04/08

Let us Lift Our Hands in Prayer

1 Timothy 2:8 - I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument...

There was a lady who came to our church who raised her bible in her hands during prayer. Some of the people in that church were horrified that a little old lady would violate their approved posture for prayer - i.e. hands joined, head bowed, eyes closed.

There's irony of course is that they were looking around to see how others were praying instead of praying themselves. Hmm! The next irony is that in the earliest church this was a very common posture for prayer - dating back to perhaps the writing of Psalm 141:2 - "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice." I sometimes take a close look at my hands and wonder what they have been up to. Have they been the instruments of deceit, greed, anger or injustice? Could I pray like Paul, lifting up holy hands to God? Would the guy in the next pew get bent out of shape? Would I have a problem - or would he?


[ Prayer Starter ]

Lord, we lift our hands to You in praise and in prayer, knowing You see beyond our postures into our hearts. Teach us to pray in such a way that we lose ourselves in communion with You, listening to your Spirit bear witness with our spirits that we are your sons and daughters. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others.
(All rights are with God)