Have you ever noticed how often we use our hands in worship? We lift our palms heavenward as we sing praises, clasp our hands in prayer, and even lay hands on others to impart blessing. Our hands are a vital part of how we connect with God.
In fact, Scripture encourages the lifting of hands as a worship posture. The psalmist calls us to “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord” (Psalm 134:2). When pleading with God to answer prayer, the apostle Paul says, “I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” (1 Timothy 2:8). Lifting hands with open palms is a gesture of surrender and receptivity before God. It allows us to set aside distractions and focus our minds on Him.
This physical position also has roots in ancient worship. In early Christian art, believers are often depicted with their hands raised to God. Lifting hands engages the whole body in the worship experience. Along with singing, kneeling, bowing, or even dancing before God, raising hands is a way to offer oneself in service to the Lord visibly. What a beautiful sight it is when a congregation lifts hands together in adoration of our Maker! It serves as a witness to the greatness and glory of God.
Beyond gestures of praise, our hands are channels of blessing and grace. Jesus frequently touched the sick and demon-possessed, healing them with the imposition of hands (Luke 4:40). He even put His fingers in the ears of a deaf man, touched his tongue, and said, “Be opened!” (Mark 7:33-34). The Lord’s hand conveyed His blessing. After His resurrection, Jesus invites Thomas to touch His scarred hands, eliciting Thomas’ declaration of faith (John 20:27).
Jesus imparted this practice to His disciples, who would go on to lay hands on others to commission them for service (Acts 6:6, 13:3). The apostle Paul wrote that he longed to visit the Roman Christians so that he may impart some spiritual gift through the laying on of hands (Romans 1:11). Even today, the ceremony of ordination includes hands being laid on a candidate by church leaders. This symbolizes the transferal of authority and calling.
Beyond specific ceremonial gestures, our hands represent our God-given capacity for work and ministry. The hands are meant to bless others through diligent and loving service. Isaiah 58:6-7 entreats God’s people to share bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked. Jesus demonstrated this servitude by washing His disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for only the lowest of servants (John 13:3-5). He calls us to humbly meet the needs of people deemed “lesser” or unimportant by society’s standards.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our hands symbolize those good works to which God calls each of us uniquely. We all have opportunities to extend care and compassion through our hands, whether by preparing a meal, writing a note of encouragement, embracing a grieving friend, or volunteering for a worthy cause. May our hands be gracefully empowered to reflect Christ’s love through acts of service.
Of course, the Bible also warns against using our hands for unrighteous purposes. Proverbs 6:16-17 states that the Lord hates “hands that shed innocent blood.” Violence and terror have no place in the life of a believer. Paul cautions that “the hands of men” should be lifted up “without anger or disputing” (1 Timothy 2:8). How easy it is to clench our fists in rage when someone wrongs us! But as Christ-followers, we are called to a better way of peace, compassion, and mercy, even in the face of hostility.
Greed is another sin that often manifests in hands that grab and cling to possessions. Rather than hoarding resources, Scripture exhorts the generosity of opening our hands to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11). Jesus even said that those who exploit the vulnerable will face sterner judgment (Mark 12:38-40). Our hands should not be agents of greed but conduits of generosity.
The challenge for all believers is to yield every part of ourselves entirely to God – including our hands. Romans 12:1 entreats us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to the Lord. Are we willing to lay our busy hands at the feet of Jesus, surrendering self-centered agendas so they can be filled with kingdom purposes?
Our Creator intricately formed our hands for good works, not evil. May the Spirit guide our hands, making them channels of healing, help, and hope. May those holy hands be lifted high in heartfelt worship of the One who fashioned them for His glory. What joy when our hands humbly serve the Lord who loved us enough to stretch out His hands on the cross to redeem us. Let’s lift holy hands heavenward while extending them outward to bless others in Jesus’ name.
Josh Cehulik 