Bible Question: Lifting Holy Hands in Prayer. Some churches practice this while others do not. Some consider this a Jewish custom and that a more orderly worship is observed in the New Testament. Should we lift our hands in praise and prayer? |
Bible Answer: In the New Testament times it was a cultural norm to pray with hands rasied. Today many bow their head. Which is right? Read this poem it takes a funny look at that question. An Informal Prayer - The Prayer of Cyrus Brown by Sam Walter Foss "The proper way for a man to pray" said Deacon Lemuel Keyes, "and the only proper attitude is down upon his knees." "Nay, I should say the way to pray," said Reverend Dr. Wise "is standing straight with outstrecthed arms and rapt and upturned eyes." "Oh, no, no, no." said Elder Snow "Such posture is too proud A man should pray with eyes fast closed and head contritely bowed." "It seems to his hands should be asturely clasped in front. With both thumbs a pointing toward the ground." Said Reverend Hunt." "las' year I fell in Hodgkins well head first," said Cyrus Brown, "With both my heels a-stikin' up, my head a-p'inting down, An' I made a prayer right there an' then; Best prayer I ever said; The prayingest prayer I ever prayed, A-standin on my head." |