Please pray for this church and its elders and deacons. We are in the beginning stage of a "take over" and our elders are not letting their positions be known. I am deeply concerned and have written a letter to all of the elders and deacons and the only response I got were from three deacons two with me and one that is attimately against. Please pray for this church.

Thank you so much for the advice. I made one of our deacons aware of this site and I have printed out the strand that you suggested and I hope it will help. We have some deacons that are very strong and I pray for them constantly. I am so afraid that they will grow tired and weary being the only ones fighting. All I can do is offer prayers and support as a woman and I have written a letter to the elders after a specific incident that occured a couple of weeks ago. Although the individual that raised their hands during a song was a visitor, I was concerned that no one was going to visit her in her home and teach her. At the time I had control over the women's weekly publication and wrote an extremely pointed article in response to what happened. I realize that God gave me this publication specifically for this purpose. I had only begun writing for the publication. After my "pointed article" I was releaved of that duty, giving me only two publications total. That has to be some kind of a record. The congregation however, did recieve a letter from the elders that addressed the issue. I wish I had a way to scan it into the site to get your thoughts, but it seemed to me that they were powdering two different babies butts. Members were told not to do anything that would be distracting to others and then turned around and stated that if we were doing what we are supposed to be doing and focusing on God we wouldn't be distracted in the first place. Then continued to say that the "spontaneous standing" on songs like "I Stand in Awe" is the equivelant of saying "amen". Please continue to pray for this congregation and for those that are being strong in the faith to continue their fight with renewed strength and courage.

Holly,
What business is it of yours if someone wants to raise their hands in worship? You should be ashamed of yourself.

Paul

It IS my business if it is something that is unscriptural that is being introduced into the Lord's church. The only scripture that individuals can use to "try" to validate this action is in 1 Timothy 2:8 which reads "8Therefore (Q)I want the men (R)in every place to pray, (S)lifting up (T)holy hands, without wrath and dissension." But this is not a literal lifting of the hands if you know your history, but lets say we don't know our history. If one wants to be legalistic about "lifting holy hands" the fact that it was a woman that did this is sinful and so is the fact that it was done during a song instead of in prayer and we can not ignore the next passage which reads,"9Likewise, I want (U)women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments," How many women wear gold and pearls to church or braid their little girl's hair. You cannot pick and choose my friend, you must be consistant to the word. Any examples of man in the presence of God is not bold as to stand and wave hands at him, but usually prostrate, hiding the face and in a humble position. This "raising of the hands" shows a lack of reverance for God and the true selfish attitude of the person doing it to disregard others around them. We are to come together to worship God by teaching and admonishing one another. How, my friend, is anyone teaching or admonishing ANYONE by "lifting hands"?

Holly, you have every right to be concerned about what is happening. Christians also have the responsibility to depend upon the Word as God’s revelation of truth and allow it to guide them.

Perhaps a direct communication with the individual, rather than a “pointed article”, would have been a better reflection of the spirit of the NT (Matthew 18:15-17; Matthew 5:23-24).

I’d like to “state for the record”: I have never “raised holy hands” during an assembly of the Lord’s people. Even if I were inclined to, I would refrain because it would be distracting to several saints whom I love and esteem for their faith.

Now, to some of the questions raised in the response above:
(1) Is “raising hands” an “unscriptural" practice?
(2) Is 1 Timothy 2:8 the only scripture individuals use to “validate” this action?
(3) Can such only be done during prayer? By men?
(4) Are there no examples of a “man in the presence of God” who raises hands?
(5) Is the act of raising hands an act of “boldness” which displays no reverence for God?
(6) Is a person who does so being selfish?

Answers:
(1) Despite her assertion that “this is not a literal lifting of the hands if you know your history”—if you know your history, it may well have been a literal lifting of hands as was the Jewish practice (Paul knew the Scriptures and Jewish practices quite well).
Just a few scriptural references to the practice (yes, some are symbolic but they speak of a physical act which was common among the Jews): 1 Kings 8:22, 54; 2 Chronicles 6:12-13; Job 11:13; Psalm 28:2; Psalm 63:4; Psalm 134:1-2. There are more but this would seem to be sufficient to establish a scriptural practice among the Jews.
Millgram, Jewish Worship (Jewish Publication Society of America, 1971) and Fuer, Tehillim: A new Translation with a Commentary Anthologized from Talmudic, Midrashic and Rabbinic Sources (Mesorah Publications, Ltd., 1977-80) both conclude the cessation of “raising hands in prayer” in the Jewish synagogue took place because it had become so common among Christians in their assemblies.

(2) I don’t believe 1 Timothy 2:8 demands men raise hands during prayer in assemblies—yes, it may speak of a spiritual reality (think “clean hands,” Psalm 18:20; 24:4). However, to say the practice of raising hands is unscriptural you must conclude this passage can only be taken symbolically—and that to take it literally is sin.

(3) It becomes even more difficult to maintain this position when it is limited to men, only in prayer, and then we come across the next passage, which Holly references. I don’t believe this conclusion but, to follow the reasoning applied in her response, Men ONLY can raise hands in PRAYER, therefore Women ONLY are to dress modestly, with shamefacedness and sobriety, BUT with good works (therefore, women can’t raise hands and men can’t dress modestly). I think it is obviously an invalid conclusion, however it is the interpretation demanded by such a “legalistic” (Holly’s word, not mine) approach.

(4) There are references to men raising hands in the presence of God (see #1 above).

(5) To maintain this position one must conclude Moses, David, Solomon (and several others) acted boldly and without reverence to God on different occasions.

(6) If a person raising hands does so to draw the attention of others or to purposefully (knowingly) distract and upset others it is selfish. Another good reason to speak personally to the “offending” individual before assuming we know their motivation or heart.

Firstly, I did discuss the issue with the elders with a letter that I had written them. They refused to address the issue. The pointed article was directed at the elders after an abscence of response which, two days later they wrote the letter to the congregation. The problem is that the individuals that are trying these things are vistors, we are getting a lot of visitors lately, and from past experience this is a ploy to introduce new things and when everything dies down and they get accomplished what they want accomplished they will leave.

Secondly, I will respond to your remarks. I noticed that you chose to use many Old Testament scriptures, which when dealing with worship is null and void, we are given our examples in the New Testament. We are given instructions for an orderly worship 1 Cor. 14:26 "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." If I was sitting in one of my graduate classes here at Texas A&M and someone jumped up and started flapping their hands around the professor would dismiss them from the class for disorderly conduct. Why would that type of conduct be any different within a worship service. Let me regress though back to the scriptures you mentioned. Several, (Job 11:13, Psalm 28:2, Psalm 63:4, adn Psalm 134:1-2) Are not a literal lifting of hands, these scriptures clearly suggest the service of the hands that is evident, the imagery of asking God for help by being in a pit, which he was not in a literal pit, and the whole idea of having hands that serve, rather than cause torment for others. As far as Solomon in 1 Kings adn 2 Chron. The hands were outspread, yes but what was his posture? He was on his knees the entire time, he was still in a humble position. Back to my point though. One thing you did not address is the fact that we are to be teaching and admonishing one another during worship. How are you doing that with raised hands? What are you teaching? How are you admonishing anyone? IN addition scripture tells us when we come together to sing hymns, teach,and so on, no where does it say, "by the way make sure you jump up and wave your hands around real good to make sure God can see you." Come on now, if God sees your heart, what is the purpose of doing things to be seen by men?

Holly,
Since I'm not there I don't know how your shepherds are responding to your concerns. I would hope they would do so prayerfully and with more concern for God's will and the souls of others than the approval of men (or women).
Yes, I used OT scriptures to speak to Jewish customs.
You are correct. Many passages, not all, were symbolic. I may have misunderstood but it appeared a claim had been made that "raising hands" was never meant literally. It was a literal practice--however it seems to have usually carried with it the idea of supplication (reaching out to the One who is the giver all good gifts).
You finished your response with these words:
"Come on now, if God sees your heart, what is the purpose of doing things to be seen by men?"
Holly, I agree with the spirit of your question. If anything is being done simply "to be seen of men" then we should be concerned. Having lived in different places, assembling with believers in different cultural settings, I have found what seems "showy" to me isn't to someone else.

Where people still see church as SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE instead of "worship center" waving and clapping cannot happen without sucking up the attention of others. Toleration by some sector of the group is "instead of" worship. T. Campbell called church "the school of Christ" and worship "reading and musing about the Word of God." That is the meaning of the ekklesia or synagogue or school of the Bible died to give us to remove both the burden and the burden laders. Paul understood in Romans 15 that you cannot do MORE than that and still keep the harmony and glorify God. Good luck on finding such a place!!

Next, perhaps we should not put the emphasis upon "lifting hands" but on HAVING holy hands to lift. This is important and probably says nothing about leading prayer as an act of "worship." Women can pray "likewise" if she deports herself in the same "holy way." Hannah prayed, her lips moved but she did not pray audibly. I have seen women uplifting their palms about belt line and I find nothing offensive about it: she is lifting holy hands in the way the Bible speaks but she is NOT leading nor is she "sucking up" the attention which only God deserves.

If people persist they should be gently reminded that "reverence and Godly fear" was still the watchword when Hebrews 12 was penned.

Isa 1:15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.

Isa 1:16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil,

This was not speaking of a religious ritual. If people are exhibitionists they should cease: if they are superstitious then they should be endured and taught.

Jesus never "led" prayer and told us to "pray in our closet" or private, quiet place. When He prayed to the Father He went aside from even the apostles. In Romans 15 Paul defined the SPEAKING role as with ONE MIND and ONE MOUTH speaking "that which is written" which he defines as "Scripture." The early churches understood that this was for male and female. Paul's PUNCH LINE was TEACH or PREACH one to another and NOT "make music." When we sing that which is written as hymns we are praying and everyone is speaking at once.

The prayers in the synagogue would be prescribed prayers which were built on Scripture passages. Other than that I don't find any role for LEADING preaching or LEADING prayers in early history. I believe that they ALL PRAYED and mostly silently. If anyone prayed out loud Paul insisted that it not be in tongues or their "native dialect" but understandable. However, that is not a command to "lead prayer."

When you spread out your hands you do not wave them like an antenna. Instead, spread means

Paras (h6566) paw-ras'; a prim. root; to break apart, disperse, etc.: - break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out).

Latin: Ex-pando
I. to spread out, spread apart, to expand
II. Trop.: rerum naturam dictis, to lay open, unfold

Praying is speaking to God about YOUR thoughts and YOUR problems. It has no meaning unless you DO that for yourself. The people gathered AROUND the temple grounds or courts to pray but I am not aware of any "worship service" with someone leading prayer. The priest blessed offerings in the Holy Place where NO singer, clapper or musician could enter--even to clean out the old garbage--without being executed.

We know that Hannah and others prayed TOWARD the temple. It is possible for ONE PERSON to pray as an artificial ritual but it simply is NOT possible for anyone to lead another in prayer. It is just an ACT to be endured to be legal. We should note that when Solomon made his "personal" prayer to God, only the "officialdom" was present: the people were outside of the gate where they prayed their OWN prayers and while the Temple was "disabled" during the loud noise [not music] God heard FROM HEAVEN.

1K.8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. ,

The wavey-clappy hands may be an insult to God. In fact, the word CLAP can also be translated VOMIT. Clapping was to BOO the looser more than applaud the winner. The hand you lift up to God means the PALMS are lifted up. The CUPPED PART of the hand as opposed to the OPEN hand as a THREAT.

1K.8:38 What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his OWN HEART, and spread forth his hands toward this house:

Again, this is HOLY SPECIFIC and YOUR OWN THOUGHTS and not gender-specific although only DRAFT AGE males were required to attend the festivals which were really MUSTERS. Except when sacrifices were being offered the temple "grounds" and porches were open as a "house of prayer" and not a "den of thieves or house of merchandise." The hands are:

Kaph (h3709) kaf; from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig. power: - branch, / foot, hand ([-ful], -dle, [-led]), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.

Kaphaph (h3721) kaw-faf'; a prim. root; to curve: - bow down (self).

You simply CANNOT do that by dancing on your tippy-toes or doing a body-dance. You cannot remotely grasp the MEANING of GOD and treat Him like a customer to the Vineyard "holy tavern." Neither can you put Puffer Billy Bob Six Pack on the "program" to get him to come to church just because he is a MAN.

If you look at Jews or Moslem you will see people as if they are reading.



On the other hand, the reaching up where "heaven" is supposed to be, and waving the open hands around could be insubordination claiming that YOU have the power. It certainly is distractive and PREVENTS giving heed to God and His words which is Paul's UNIQUE definition of worship.

Yad (h3027) yawd; a prim. word; a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from 3709, the closed one)...

Other than that it is important to tolerate a lot of distraction at "church" and think about worship as a private practice. If the elders decide that this should be a common practice then you will attract people attracting attention to themselves because they have another 167 hours a week to lift or wave or clap their hands to hearts content.

Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Time may have passed when it is even possible to "worship" in churches bent on collecting numbers and having a popular appeal. Paul said that if we want to find Jesus we have to GO OUTSIDE THE CAMP or GATE: that was where God heard the "people" while the musicians had disabled the temple and Solomon prayed his own prayer.

One of the elders that had been advocating inappropriate behavior resigned from his position as elder Sunday before last. The couple is still attending and working hard, but is not in a position to hinder correction. "The incident" has not happened again, I believe that one of the men in the congregation, not an elder, but a member, may have discussed the issue with the couple. The preacher, however is still in place. He brought a sermon last Sunday night about "change". He tetered and I think as he looked at as to who was in the audience, he chickened out. It seems that our individuals that lean more to the liberal style of worship don't attend on Sunday nights or Wednesday. Hmm, I wonder why? That thought just struck me, Im not trying to be rude, just an observation.

hinder correction? You seriously think hell is in store for people who raise their hands during church?

Why are you in hell mister? I was a serial killer.
Why are you here mister? i raised my hands during worship
HMMMM
Gonna cut this one too donnie ?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Not this time, Kent, for the sake of Rick. He shouldn't have to request for a re-print.

So, Kent, is raising hands in the spiritual aerobics assembly the only form of exercise you know to do? And do you use a special kind of anti-perspirant/deodorant?

Well, I didn't mean to do some explaining for you. You see ... your posts are extremely too short for reading pleasure.

When does a Church Docrine Over Ride the Written Word

Course 110 Lifting of Hands

Lifting hands to the Lord in the Bible expresses two distinct ideas: supplication and blessing.

Lifting Hands in Supplication
A gesture common to many cultures is stretching forth the hands to implore another person to help, to give something, or to come. An example is found in Isaiah 65:1-2: "I said , 'Here am I, here am I,' to a nation that did not call on my name. I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people"[2] (cf. Proverbs 1:24; Job 30:24; Jeremiah 4:31; Lamentations 1:17).

In a similar way, hands are extended for prayer in the direction of God's dwelling. Dedicating the temple, Solomon "stood before the altar of the Lord ... and spread [3] forth his hands toward heaven ...." (1 Kings 8:22; cf. vs. 54; 1 Chronicles 6:12, 13). He also asks God to honor prayers made toward the temple: "... Whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by any man or by all thy people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house ... hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and act ..." (1 Kings 8:38- 39; cf. 2 Chronicles 6:29-30). David calls out, "Hear the voice of my supplication as I cry to thee for help, as I lift up my hands toward thy most holy sanctuary" (Psalm 28:2; cf. also 134:2). Most often, however, hands are lifted up to God in heaven.

Hands express the inner man. Desperate for some response from God, David says, "I stretch out my hands to thee; my soul thirsts for thee like a parched land" (Psalm 143:6; cf. vs. 8). Hands mirror the soul stretched out to touch God, "... for to thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul" (vs. 8; cf. 25:1; 86:4).

Lifted hands must not mask sin. Worship offered to God while still practicing iniquity is an abomination (cf. Ps 40:6-8; 50:7-23; 51:16-19; Is 1:11-18). Defiled lives must be cleansed by repentance: "When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean ...." (Isaiah 1:15-16; cf. 59:1-3). Rather we are to lift up "holy hands without anger or quarreling" (1 Timothy 2:8). The prophet Jeremiah admonishes the Israelites mourning the destruction of Jerusalem, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts with our hands to God in the heavens" (Lamentations 3:40-41, KJV).

The lifting of the hands so characterizes prayer in the Bible that it becomes a metonymy, a symbol for supplication without the need to identify it as prayer. For example, Jeremiah urges, "Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children ..." (Lamentations 2:19; Psalm 44:20; and perhaps Lamentations 1:17). To lift the hand to God means invoking His help.

Lifting Hands in Blessing
Yet hands are not only lifted in supplication. They are also lifted to offer a blessing to God.

The custom of the laying on of hands underlies the use of hands in blessing.[4] The laying on of hands was understood to confer or impart something. One's sins, for instance, were transferred to the sacrifice through laying on of hands (Leviticus 1:4; 16:21-22). More often, however, the hands conveyed a gift or blessing. Ordination bestowed authority, consecration, or special gifts (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9; Acts 6:6; 13:3; 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1:18; 2 Timothy 1:6). The Holy Spirit Himself was sometimes conveyed by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17-18; 19:6). Jesus commonly imparted the blessing of healing through His hands (Matthew 8:1-3, 14-15; 9:20, 25, 29; Luke 4:40; etc.). Jacob pronounced a blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh by laying on his hands (Genesis 48:14-15) and so Jesus blessed the little children (Mark 10:16). To bless an individual, the person laid his hands on him. To bless a group, hands were lifted and extended over them,[5] as in the priestly blessing (Leviticus 9:22) and Jesus' blessing of the disciples at His ascension (Luke 24:50).

Lifting of hands in praise to God derives from this understanding of imparting a blessing.[6] David lovingly calls to his faithful God: "So I will bless thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on thy name" (Psalm 63:4). Temple worshipers are exhorted, "Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!" (Psalm 134:1-2). David sees such heart worship as the kernel of more formal worship: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2). Lifting the hands to honor and bless God expresses love for Him (Job 11:13; Psalm 68:31) and His commandments (119:48). When the covenant is renewed in Jerusalem after the Exile, the whole congregation participates: "Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God; and all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen,' lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (Nehemiah 8:6).[7] Even nature blesses the Lord: "... The deep gave forth its voice, it lifted its hands on high" (Habakkuk 3:10).

In a series of complex passages we see the concept of hands uplifted in prayer merged with lifting hands to impart. In Egypt, Moses stretches out his hands to God to end the plague of thunder and hail (Exodus 9:29, 33).[8] In the wilderness battle with Amalek, as Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands the Israelites were victorious, but when Moses' hands grew weary the Amalekites gained the advantage (Exodus 17:11-12).[9] Yet in each of these passages "the rod of God" seems to be in Moses' hand (9:22-23; 17:9). While prayer seems to be indicated, we also see hands imparting God's deliverance. Moses' hand becomes the hand of God to bless and set free His people much the same way Jesus' hand loosed those Satan had bound (Luke 13:10-16).

Lifting Hands Then and Now
From the Old Testament scriptures it is obvious that believers commonly prayed and praised while lifting their hands. The First Letter to Timothy assumes the practice among males in Christian assemblies as late as 60 A.D.: "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling" (2:8). A Christian sarcophagus carving depicts person with hands lifted in prayer, attesting that the practice was characteristic of Christian prayer in the Third Century A.D.[10] Yet it is strange to find no references to lay lifting of hands in prayer in Rabbinic writings.[11] Jewish writers explain the cessation of this prayer form in the synagogue as a reaction against the prevalence of the custom among Christians.[12] The practice of lifting the hands survives today in Western Christian and Jewish traditions primarily in the priestly or pastoral blessing of the people.[13]

Pentecostals, however, have revived the ancient practice of lifting the hands in worship because they have sought to emulate the Biblical models. In contrast, childhood instruction to fold little hands in prayer (probably to keep them out of mischief) finds no antecedent in Scripture.

Our hands are reflective of our being. Many of us, like the proverbial Italians, cannot talk without our hands. As people begin to yield their hands in expression to God, there often is a corresponding release in their worship.

Our own culture suggests meaningful gestures which communicate these various expressions. Palms lifted up might express openness, invitation, surrender. Reaching out signifies entreaty, supplication, and dependence. Hands extended palms out may symbolize extending a blessing to God much as a minister's benediction with hands stretched over the congregation imparts a blessing to them.

We must never allow lifting our hands to become an empty form; they are to express the inner being to God. As we use our hands to bless God may there be a fresh release of expression from our hearts in prayer, worship, and love to God. "Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name" (Psalm 63:4, KJV).



Notes

1. There are 28 verses which clearly refer to lifting the hands in blessing or supplication. If lifting of Moses' hands (or rod in his hand) is included as prayer, then another 11 verses may be added. In light of the multitude of references to lifting hands in worship, the lack of in-depth treatment in the scholarly literature is surprising.

2. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

3. Two main Hebrew verbs are used to describe the lifting of hands: nasa--"to lift up" (Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 119:48; 134:2; Habakkuk 3:10; Lamentations 2:19; 3:41; a related noun is used in Psalm 141:2) and paras--"to spread out," sometimes translated "to stretch out" (Exodus 9:29, 33; 1 Kings 8:22, 38, 54; 2 Chronicles 6:12, 13, 29; Job 11:13; Psalms 44:20; 143:6; Ezra 9:5; Isaiah 1:15; Jeremiah 4:31). Other verbs are rus--"to run, quickly stretch out" (Psalm 68:31), rum--"to raise, lift" (Exodus 17:11), shatah--"to spread out" (Psalm 88:9); shalah--"to send, stretch out" (Job 30:24), and nata--"to extend, stretch out" (Exodus 9:22). The noun mo`al--"lifting" (Nehemiah 8:6) derives from the root `ala--"to go up."

The word "hand" usually translates either yad--"hand" or kap- -"the palm of the hand, hand (opened or turned upward so as to expose the hand in contrast with yad 'hand' in general, whether open or closed in a grasp or fist)" (Gleason L. Archer, Jr., in Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament [abbreviated TWBOT], R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer, Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, editors [Chicago: Moody Press, 1980], vol. 1, p. 452). The words seem to be used interchangeably on the subject of lifting hands in prayer and worship, yad 11 times, kap 17 times.

Psalm 77:2 is difficult. Translators must choose between forcing the verb nagar--"pour, flow, run" to mean "stretch out, extend" (so all modern translations), or forcing the noun yad-- "hand" to yield a figurative sense: "sore" (KJV) or "strength" (so Leonard J. Coppes in TWBOT, vol. 2, p. 553).

4. There is considerable literature on the laying on of hands. Some of the more helpful references are: Eduard Lohse, "cheir," in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, G. Kittel and G. Friedrich, eds., G. W. Bromiley, tr. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, ET 1964-1974 [1933-1972]), 9:424-437; David Daube, The New Testament and Rabbinic Judaism (London: University of London, 1956), pp. 224- 246; G. W. H. Lampe, The Seal of the Spirit (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1951), pp. 223-231; and J. K. Parratt, "The Laying on of Hands in the New Testament: A Re-examination in the Light of Hebrew Terminology," Expository Times 80 (1969), pp. 210-214.

5. The present practice of extending one's hand toward the person being prayed for is a natural extension of this principle.

6. Clapping the hands is used in Psalm 47:1 in rejoicing before God. Clapping is also attributed to the floods (Psalm 98:8) and the trees of the field (Isaiah 55:12) as nature praises the Lord. Clapping was used in this sense to rejoice before a newly crowned king (2 Kings 11:12). However, some sorts of clapping held a negative connotation (cf. Job 27:23; 34:37; Lamentations 2:15; Ezekiel 25:6; Nahum 3:19).

7. Here we see a combination of lifting the hands in blessing and the hand (singular) lifted up to God to solemnly swear before Him. Cf. Genesis 14:22; Exodus 6:8; Numbers 14:30; Deuteronomy 32:40; Ezekiel 20:5; 36:7; 47:14; etc. Lifting the right hand to swear in court survives in our culture.

8. Exodus 7:19; 8:5-6, 16-17; 10:12, 13, 21, 22; 14:16, 21, 26, 27; 15:12; cf. Joshua 8:18-19, 26; Isaiah 49:22; Acts 4:30.

9. Jewish and Christian commentators have traditionally interpreted Moses' uplifted hands as an act of prayer (Mishnah, Rosh Hashanah 3:8; Calvin, etc.). So C. F. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976, reprint), in loc. Brevard S. Childs (The Book of Exodus [Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1974], p. 310-317) and others deny that prayer is involved, but suggestions of magic or the hands as instruments of mediating amoral power are unconvincing.

10. A photograph is found in C. K. Barrett, The Pastoral Epistles (New Clarendon Bible series; Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1968), p. 53. Figures called oranti were found in catacomb frescos, usually in a standing positon with arms extended. See the article on "Oranti" in William Smith and Samuel Cheetham, A Dictionary of Christian Antiquities (New York: Kraus Reprint Co., 1968; reprint of 1880 edition), II, 1463f.

11. So Dr. Elieser Slomovic, Associate Professor of Rabbinic Literature, University of Judaism, Los Angeles, California. Private communication, April 30, 1985.

12. Abraham E. Millgram, Jewish Worship (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1971), pp. 356-357; and Avrohom Chaim Fuer, Tehillim: A new Translation with a Commentary Anthologized from Talmudic, Midrashic and Rabbinic Sources (Brooklyn: Mesorah Publications, Ltd., 1977-80, 5 vols.), 4:1094.

13. The lifting of hands continued in the church beyond the Third Century primarily in the monastic movement. There are remnants of the practice in liturgical churches. In the present Roman Catholic mass the priest lifts his hands, shoulder high, palms out, during the Eucharistic prayer. In the Greek Orthodox mass the priest lifts his hands above his head while saying, "Let us lift up our hearts to the Lord." In more liturgical churches the minister lifts up the bread and cup in offering much as a pastor might lift collection plates in dedication.


KEN
YOU NEED NOT ADD TO THIS IT IS WELL EXPLAINED

no one answered my question. is hell in store for those who raise hands? Or is the objection that you might look too pentecostal?

See, you bind law on people where non exist. Its TRADITION in the coc not to raise hands. Nothing that says its forbidden. The previous poster did a good job showing plenty of example. You coc peole like example dont you know!

Disciples: and only baptized disciples are called Christians NEVER ask:

Is that a SALVATION ISSUE or

Is that a HELL ISSUE?

The Christian is a disciple is a STUDENT. Jesus Christ is the One and only Master Teacher. That happens only when the elders as THE PASTOR-TEACHERS "teach that which HAS been taught.

If you BELIEVE that you can ATTRACT or appease a "god" as all pagans did by clapping or raising your hands or INDUCING an altered state of consciousness then the Juvenile Judge might let you serve on the outskirts.

If you do ANYTHING which diverts others from GIVING HEED to the word by listening to THE WORD or speaking THE WORD one to another then you FREEZE worship because Paul's UNIQUE worship word means to GIVE HEED to Christ by giving heed to HIS words then I don't see how you could remotely hallucinate that you are a CHRIST-BEING.

If you PERFORM leading people into the presence of God you claim to be JESUS CHRIST and you have to be a goner. "Standing in the Holy Place" which was a type of the body or church of Christ would get singers, clappers, musicans or body wigglers executed instantly. I don't see how people who do that to the SPIRITUAL BODY of Christ can imagine that they are of the Christ species.

Hand clapping was almost always to SHOW CONTEMPT to the loser. In the harp-flute contest the looser got clapped while the winner slowly removed his skin. The word CLAP also means to BLOW A TRUMPET in one's face to STARTLE: sure, even adults suffer the startle reflex at ever hand clap. People can MOLEST you and stay out of Jail. The word CLAP also means VOMIT.

Furthermore, hand raising and hand clapping has always been an UNconsious OUTING of one's nature. It ain't pretty and that is why the hair stands up on the backs of the neck and people flee without fully grasping what Satan is smearing in their face. The Bible is ABOLUTE about the meaning of any LOUD stuff when people are trying to worship which happens in your PERSONAL SPIRIT and not in all of the nerve endings which receive "vibration" from the exercises to arouse their pleasure centers.

Only the HIGH PRIEST was allowed to raise his hands above his SHOULDERS in the sacred places: others would be showing contempt.

HUH??

Ken, i really think you could find something sexual with eating ice cream!

is everything sex with you? You need help my friend.

Ken, I want to raise a question on your point in the previous post. I fully understand the history which you have correctly pointed out, but wouldn't you view a great deal of the debate as being cultural. For example, in Europe to be whistled at in a sporting event is derogatory, to be whistled at in a sporting event in the US is laudatory. Similary, while raising the hands thousands of years ago may have been derogatory to God, it has evolved to a point that it is now a sign of adoration to those who practice it. I am not a "hand raiser" at church, but I do not believe that anyone that I have met who practices this does so as a means of dishonoring God.

Jesus never "led" prayer and told us to "pray in our closet" or private, quiet place. When He prayed to the Father He went aside from even the apostles. In Romans 15 Paul defined the SPEAKING role as with ONE MIND and ONE MOUTH speaking "that which is written" which he defines as "Scripture." The early churches understood that this was for male and female. Paul's PUNCH LINE was TEACH or PREACH one to another and NOT "make music." When we sing that which is written as hymns we are praying and everyone is speaking at once.

The prayers in the synagogue would be prescribed prayers which were built on Scripture passages. Other than that I don't find any role for LEADING preaching or LEADING prayers in early history. I believe that they ALL PRAYED and mostly silently. If anyone prayed out loud Paul insisted that it not be in tongues or their "native dialect" but understandable. However, that is not a command to "lead prayer."

When you spread out your hands you do not wave them like an antenna. Instead, spread means

Paras (h6566) paw-ras'; a prim. root; to break apart, disperse, etc.: - break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out).
Latin: Ex-pando
I. to spread out, spread apart, to expand
II. Trop.: rerum naturam dictis, to lay open, unfold
Praying is speaking to God about YOUR thoughts and YOUR problems. It has no meaning unless you DO that for yourself. The people gathered AROUND the temple grounds or courts to pray but I am not aware of any "worship service" with someone leading prayer. The priest blessed offerings in the Holy Place where NO singer, clapper or musician could enter--even to clean out the old garbage--without being executed.

We know that Hannah and others prayed TOWARD the temple. It is possible for ONE PERSON to pray as an artificial ritual but it simply is NOT possible for anyone to lead another in prayer. It is just an ACT to be endured to be legal. We should note that when Solomon made his "personal" prayer to God, only the "officialdom" was present: the people were outside of the gate where they prayed their OWN prayers and while the Temple was "disabled" during the loud noise [not music] God heard FROM HEAVEN.

1K.8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. ,

The wavey-clappy hands may be an insult to God. In fact, the word CLAP can also be translated VOMIT. Clapping was to BOO the looser more than applaud the winner. The hand you lift up to God means the PALMS are lifted up. The CUPPED PART of the hand as opposed to the OPEN hand as a THREAT.

1K.8:38 What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his OWN HEART, and spread forth his hands toward this house:

Again, this is HOLY SPECIFIC and YOUR OWN THOUGHTS and not gender-specific although only DRAFT AGE males were required to attend the festivals which were really MUSTERS. Except when sacrifices were being offered the temple "grounds" and porches were open as a "house of prayer" and not a "den of thieves or house of merchandise." The hands are:

Kaph (h3709) kaf; from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); fig. power: - branch, / foot, hand ([-ful], -dle, [-led]), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.
Kaphaph (h3721) kaw-faf'; a prim. root; to curve: - bow down (self).
You simply CANNOT do that by dancing on your tippy-toes or doing a body-dance. You cannot remotely grasp the MEANING of GOD and treat Him like a customer to the Vineyard "holy tavern." Neither can you put Puffer Billy Bob Six Pack on the "program" to get him to come to church just because he is a MAN.