It is really easy to lift up your hands in prayer and worship. It is a whole lot harder to give God your heart.
Paul is after a postured heart not the position of the body.
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2 v 8)
Paul is seeking:-
- Surrender to God.
- Holiness in our activities to others; the kindness and generosity we show.
- Without anger or grievance.
Paul is wanting no barriers preventing prayer to God. He is instructing the men. After speaking of prayers and petitions for all people he is making sure the men everywhere, meaning in all the house churches, are engaging in prayer not in divided opinions. Look at your church today? Who is seen as the intercessors, is it mostly women or men?
Paul speaks next about the women but he challenges the men to direct their voices not to man but to God and to do so by the lifting up of their hands. The position of surrender as Jesus did for us.
Are you angry today? Lift up your hands and release it to God as you pray.
Are there any disputed relationships? Lift up your hands and release it to God as you pray.
It was Paul’s desire that there would be dedicated, consecrated, holy lives given and presented to the Lord.
Missions Paul 