Lifting Hands in Prayer – Part 1

Scripture Study from the Tenakh and Brit Hadashah

Introduction

In both the Hebrew Bible (Tenakh) and the New Testament (Brit Hadashah), lifting hands in prayer is portrayed as a deeply meaningful act. Far from being mere outward ritual, it expresses surrender, reverence, blessing, praise, and intercession. This study explores how this posture of prayer is used throughout Scripture, and what it can teach us today.

I. Lifting Hands in the Tenakh (Old Testament)

1. Worship and Praise

Psalm 63:4

“So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands.”

Psalm 134:2

“Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the Lord.”

Psalm 143:6

“I stretch out my hands to You; my soul longs for You, like a parched land.”

Nehemiah 8:6

“Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen!’ while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”

These passages show that lifting hands is a posture of worship, longing, and reverence for God. It combines physical expression with spiritual devotion.

2. Intercession and Petition

1 Kings 8:22

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.”

Exodus 9:29

“Moses said to him, ‘As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will stretch out my hands to the Lord...’”

Lamentations 2:19

“Arise, cry out in the night… Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the life of your children…”

Exodus 17:11–12

“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary… so Aaron and Hur held up his hands...”

These examples highlight that lifting hands in prayer was often connected with urgent intercession—whether for the nation, children, or during battle. It also required support and perseverance.

3. Posture in Times of Need or Repentance

Isaiah 1:15

“When you spread out 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.”

Psalm 28:2

“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.”

These verses remind us that lifting hands is not just about form—it must be joined with purity of heart and sincere repentance.

II. Lifting Hands in the Brit Hadashah (New Testament)

1. Instruction for Worship and Prayer

1 Timothy 2:8

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

Here, Paul calls believers to continue the Jewish tradition of lifting hands in prayer—but with added emphasis on inward holiness and unity.

2. Yeshua’s Example

Luke 24:50–51

“Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.”

Yeshua’s final act before His ascension was to bless His disciples with uplifted hands—mirroring the priestly blessings in the Temple and signaling divine authority.

3. Symbol of Strength and Encouragement

Hebrews 12:12

“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees…”

While metaphorical, this phrase draws on familiar language from Scripture and the physical experience of prayer, suggesting renewal of both body and spirit.

4. Heavenly Imagery

Revelation 10:5–6

“Then the angel… raised his right hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever…”

Even angelic beings in heaven raise hands toward God, reinforcing the reverent and solemn significance of this gesture.

Conclusion of Part 1

From Moses to Yeshua, from the Psalms to Paul, the act of lifting hands in prayer spans the entire arc of Scripture. It represents:

• Worship and surrender
• Petition and intercession
• Blessing and benediction
• Strength and encouragement

Yet, it is never just about outward form—it must reflect the condition of the heart.

Reflection Questions

How does lifting your hands in prayer change your focus or attitude during worship?

Can physical expression in prayer help align your body with your spirit?

What do these verses teach about how posture can influence your connection with the Almighty?

Coming Soon: Part 2
In the next part of this study, we’ll explore how lifting hands in prayer has been practiced and understood in Jewish tradition, including insights from the Talmud, Dead Sea Scrolls, synagogue liturgy, and early Jewish philosophers.