Definition and Significance:
Lifting hands in the Bible is a physical expression of prayer, worship, and supplication. It symbolizes surrender, openness, and a desire for divine intervention. This gesture is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is often associated with seeking God's presence and blessing.

Old Testament References:
The practice of lifting hands is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a gesture of prayer and worship. In Exodus 17:11, Moses lifts his hands during the battle against the Amalekites, symbolizing reliance on God's power for victory: "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed."

In 1 Kings 8:22, during the dedication of the temple, Solomon stands before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spreads out his hands toward heaven. This act signifies a plea for God's attention and favor.

The Psalms also contain numerous references to lifting hands as an act of worship and supplication. Psalm 28:2 states, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." Similarly, Psalm 63:4 expresses a commitment to worship: "So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands."

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, lifting hands continues to be a significant gesture in the context of prayer and worship. 1 Timothy 2:8 instructs, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." This verse emphasizes the importance of purity and unity in prayer, with lifted hands symbolizing a heart free from sin and conflict.

Theological Implications:
Lifting hands is more than a mere physical action; it reflects an inner attitude of humility, dependence, and reverence toward God. It is an outward expression of an inward posture of the heart, demonstrating a willingness to receive from God and to submit to His will.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, lifting hands was a common practice in religious rituals and ceremonies. It was a universal sign of respect and supplication, transcending cultural boundaries. In the biblical context, this gesture was integrated into the worship practices of Israel and the early Christian church, serving as a visible expression of faith and devotion.

Practical Application:
For contemporary believers, lifting hands during prayer and worship can serve as a powerful reminder of their dependence on God and their desire for His presence. It encourages a posture of openness and surrender, inviting the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. While the physical act is not mandated, it can enhance the worship experience by aligning the body with the heart's intentions.1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Topicalbible.org

Lamentations 3:41
Let us lift up our heart with our hands to God in the heavens.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 28:2
Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your holy oracle.
Topicalbible.org

1 Kings 8:22
And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
Topicalbible.org

Ezra 9:5
And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to the LORD my God,
Topicalbible.org

4607. moal -- a lifting
... lifting (1). lifting up. From alah; a raising (of the hands) -- lifting up. see
HEBREW alah. 4606, 4607. moal. 4608 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4607.htm - 6k

4864. maseth -- an uprising, utterance, burden, portion
... From nasa'; properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or ... burden) --
burden, collection, sign of fire, (great) flame, gift, lifting up, mess ...
/hebrew/4864.htm - 6k

The Last Exile
... On the banks of that Nile that flowed so tranquilly among the ancient cities of
Egypt, Moses himself had stood lifting hands of prayer for the deliverance of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 10 the last exile.htm

1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... Homily VIII. 1 Timothy ii. 8-10. 1 Timothy ii.8-10 "I will therefore that men pray
everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. ...
/.../homily viii 1 timothy ii.htm

Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion
... above, suggests the disposition in speaking of the duty of praying without anger
and disputation and the posture in the words lifting up holy hands, which he ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter xx formalities of prayer .htm

The Incense of Prayer
... 'Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands
as the evening sacrifice.'"Psalm 141:2. ... 'Let the lifting of my hands be as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the incense of prayer.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... The dark was lifting as Vergilius entered the Field of Mars. ... Were they only in
those hands of power that flung their levin from the Palatine? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

How Throughout all the East the Services of Tierce, Sext, and None ...
... offerings, we can show from that which is sung by David: "Let my prayer be set forth
in Thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii how throughout all.htm

Caesarea. Strato's Tower.
... The time came of lifting up hands, and they asked him not of that matter.
The time of eating came, and of that they asked him. To ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 57 caesarea stratos tower.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... Men are to pray, "lifting up holy hands"; hands here being the symbol of life. Hands
unsoiled by stains of evil doing are the emblem of a life unsoiled by sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

Prayer and Character and Conduct
... We are enjoined to pray, "lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting," and
must pass the time of our sojourning here, in a rigorous abstaining from evil ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/viii prayer and character and.htm

That the Jews Would Fasten Christ to the Cross.
... Psalm: "Pierce my flesh with nails through fear of Thee." [4069] Also in the cxlth
Psalm: "The lifting up of my hands is an evening sacrifice." [4070] Of which ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the jews would.htm

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