WHY WE LIFT OUR HANDS IN WORSHIP

Lifting hands in worship to God has symbolic and spiritual meaning for believers. Like singing, do we lift our hands because everyone else is, or do we mean it from the heart?

TRANSCRIPT
Recently, I spoke at a ReFuel conference and met some Mennonite worship leaders. One asked me how one comes out of themselves and becomes more expressive.

Since I grew up in the Mennonite Church, I shared how hard it was for me to lift my hands for the first time. I overcame my fears and did it because of what the Bible says.

Here are six reasons why we lift our hands in worship:

1. Surrender to God
Lifting hands is often seen as a universal gesture of surrender. In worship, it is an expression of yielding ourselves to God’s authority, will, and purpose. It’s saying, "I give up control and submit fully to You."

"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling." (1 Timothy 2:8)

2. Offering Praise and Adoration
Raised hands are a physical expression of honoring God for His greatness, goodness, and majesty. They direct attention to Him and acknowledge His worth.

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord." (Psalm 134:2)

3. A Sign of Dependence and Need
Like a child reaching up to their parent for help or comfort, lifting hands in worship can show our dependence on God. It’s a physical expression of longing for His presence and provision.

"Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your most holy sanctuary." (Psalm 28:2)

4. Receiving from God
Open, uplifted hands can symbolize a posture of receiving blessings, grace, or an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It’s a way to express readiness and openness to God physically.

"I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land." (Psalm 143:6)