A Spiritual Connection - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Timothy 2:8).

Some people don’t understand the reason we lift our hands in prayer and worship. It’s one of those things we’re admonished in the Scriptures to do, and it’s so important. Paul said, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." This has nothing to do with how you feel; it’s a spiritual instruction, with immense spiritual benefits. 

When you lift your hands to the Lord, you may have observed that sometimes, they seem to tremble somehow. They weren’t shaking that way before you started praying and lifted them to the Lord. But the moment you raised them, the anointing came on them, and they started shaking; it’s a signal of the touch of the Spirit at that moment. And if you recognize it and accept what the Spirit of God is doing, and how He’s getting your attention, a lot more could happen. 

But not many understand these things. They have to be taught. Spiritual things can be taught, just as natural things of life can be taught. And once you learn them and respond accordingly, you’ll be amazed at how your life just keeps moving forward and upward.

There’s something deeply spiritual and pleasing to the Lord about lifting your hands to Him in worship and prayer. Though your hands are physical, there’s a connection between them and your spirit, when you lift them up to the Lord. It’s a spiritual connection between the outward nature and the inward man. It’s not a mere routine. You’re using them to guide yourself and your spirit towards God. 

In Psalm 141:2, David said, "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." The lifting up of your hands to the Lord is far more pleasing to Him than offering physical sacrifices. If the Lord delights so much in seeing you lift your holy hands to Him, then it means it’s something you should take very seriously. You ought to do it because the Word says so! It’s a training you must imbibe, for it’s a spiritual act of reverence.

Confession 

Blessed Lord, I lift my hands to you in holiness, in praise and adoration, declaring that you alone are God; your glory fills the earth! Thank you for your beauty, and righteousness revealed in me; my heart is filled with praise, and my hands lifted high, in honour of your majesty, and greatness.

further study: Psalm 134:2; 1 Kings 8:54

: Luke 2:21-52 Deuteronomy 13-15
: Romans 1:1-12 Psalm 85-86