Christ First Forum

by **Remnant** » 11 Jul 2010, 21:00

Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship?

Question: "Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship?"

Answer: Scripture commands that we worship God, that we exalt His name and offer Him our praise. There is biblical precedent for both the lifting of hands and the clapping of hands as an act of worship. Psalms 47:1 says, “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” In this instance, both clapping and shouting out joyful worship to God are urged. In 2 Timothy 2:8, we read, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” The emphasis of this verse is the attitude of the heart; however, we see that lifting hands is an appropriate posture for prayer and worship. Having these biblical precedents, we can safely conclude that both of those expressions can be an act of worship.

What we need to ascertain is if those expressions, or indeed if any specified expression, are an actual requirement for worship. In examining specific acts of worship in the Scriptures, we see there are a variety of expressions and postures. We’ve already seen the command to clap our hands and shout to the Lord. “The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’ Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud” (2 Chronicles 5:13). So we see that singing praises and playing instruments was also an appropriate expression of worship. Singing as worship is also found in Ephesians 5:19, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”

The postures of worship include standing, kneeling, prostrating ourselves, eyes lifted up, eyes cast down, and hands raised. We do not see one specific posture universally required in worship, and neither do we see one specific “authorized” expression of worship. We can conclude, therefore, that the raising of hands and/or the clapping of hands during worship is an appropriate expression of worship, although neither is required for worship. John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." Worship is a spiritual event, and true worship comes from the heart. If our worship is not heartfelt, it doesn’t matter what posture or expression of worship we use. If our worship is from the heart, God accepts our worship.

http://www.gotquestions.org/worship-hands.html

by **Remnant** » 11 Jul 2010, 21:01

Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.

by **JWayne** » 11 Jul 2010, 21:17

Absolutely!

by **Carmela** » 12 Jul 2010, 07:13

Amen, Frank. . .great article. When I was first saved I wanted to lift my hands in worship but there was such a powerful force preventing me from doing so even tho I was in a congregation of people who were not afraid to worship and raise their hands. I'm not saying the force was demonic necessarily, it was probably just self-consciousness and fear but once I finally did it (and it took literally years) I felt so free and joyful. Now, I'm the only one in my church (different church from where I started) who does lift hands of worship and praise and that's sad. I noticed in Charles Stanley's congregation there are some who are starting to lift their hands in worship during the one song they play before his sermon. As with everything, there are abuses and counterfeits when you get into the spiritual realm but if we stay close to the Lord and know His Word, He gives us discernment of the spirits.

by **DonO56** » 12 Jul 2010, 12:05

When a church says you can't lift your hands then they are kicking the Holy Ghost out of the house. Also I know Baptists don't believe in it but dance was also part of worship. Do some people go overboard and are just wanting to be seen? Yes I think so but I beloieve if you are led in your spirit to lift your hands or clap then do it. Those who frown upon acts of worship are the same ones who beg for amens to their message. As a former Independant Baptist I know what man made rules and bondage do to a believer and their spiritual growth but also I have seen charisimania go out of controll in Pentecostial/chariasmatic churches. There must be balance in a service so don't go crazy but express your worship to God as you are led by the spirit. Thats my 2 cents worth.

by **Servant** » 13 Jul 2010, 10:28

I am a worship leader, and have played guitar on many worship teams. We ALWAYS start off by inviting everyone to stand, and explain that "He inhabits the praises of His people."
As a worship leader going to other churches where the body likes to 'sit', it is almost comical to watch them wiggle and clap, raising their hands in their chairs. At one church, we stopped a song, and we got everybody on their feet, and started over. The Spirit of God moved, and there were several testimonies that witnessed healings, revelations, and answers to personal problems.
Yes, since "The Kingdom Of God is not of this world", we can expect wonderful and exciting things to happen as Jesus walks in our midst. I don't believe it is a proper picture to shake hands with the lover of our souls sitting in a chair, Amen? (of course, we consider those who are physically unable to stand ) Maranatha! Make a joyful noise, all ye nations !

Christ First Forum

Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Re: Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Re: Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Re: Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Re: Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Re: Should we raise our hands/clap our hands?

Who is online