I’m starting this series off with the most obvious expression of worship… the raising (or lifting) of our hands.
I know it may not seem like much, but this somewhat simple gesture, is a wonderful expression of surrender.
Think about it. What happens when an enemy force finally gives into the more powerful army? They raise their hands in surrender. Meaning, they give up and submit themselves to the stronger or higher authority.
We Suck at Surrender
Let’s be honest for a minute… this is something we really struggle with isn’t it? We will fight and wrestle with God in a myriad of ways each and every day holding onto our pride and egos. We’re a self reliant bunch that is bound and determined to find our way on our own.
The thought of surrender is really a foreign concept to a people who live in the land of milk and honey. We don’t have to rely on God to make through our days. We get up and go with the flow or follow our laid out plans. Many times excluding God from the picture until Sunday morning.
Surrender is a Must
Surrender though, is really a must in the Christian life. It’s an absolute in the life of any leader.
I can clearly remember Jesus saying ‘If anyone would to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23)
So what does the bible say about raising our hands in worship? What is our model?
Here are two excellent references for us two consider and look at:
Psalm 134:2 ‘Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.
1 Timothy 2:8 ‘I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.’
It’s clear in these two passages, that not only is the lifting up of our hands in worship and prayer acceptable, but it was more often than not the standard practice. Paul’s desire was to see ‘men everywhere’ lifting up their hands in worship and surrender. The Psalmists instructs his listeners to lift up their hands when worshiping God in his sanctuary.
It should be the norm but it’s not.
It’s Awkward for Me
I don’t know about you, but this is somewhat awkward for me. Deep in my heart I want to raise my hands, but my mind won’t let me. I know I should surrender to God and offer my praises with raised hands, but the battle for my mind and heart is a challenging one.
Will I look foolish? Did I wear deodorant? Is this the shirt with horrible pit stains?
The bible is clear on the expression of lifting our hands in worship, yet it’s still something that many of us struggle with. But what about your church? Do they know that the bible teaches us to worship in this way? What are you doing to encourage them and to teach them about worship?
A Challenge
I’m putting a challenge out there this week:
1. If this is a bit awkward for you, make yourself raise your hand(s) at some point during your worship.
2. Plan a time during worship where you can encourage and teach your church about raising their hands.
It could be during the intro of a song, during a song, or some other time in your worship. But take the initiative to educate your people. Don’t assume they know what you think they know.
Why is this so hard?
How are you teaching your church about the practice of raising their hands in worship?
I’ve only going to referenced two places in this post, but rest assured, they’re are many places in the scriptures that mention the lifting of hands to God.
Recently, along with your post, I’ve been learning the great need there is for lead worshipers to teach their people how to worship God. I know I’ve assumed quite often that people already know how and know what the Bible says about worshiping God. Assuming is bad.
Another worship leader made a good point recently too that people may not even know how to simply tell God “I love you” or express their love to Him in any way. So thank you for the reminder again that I need to practically teach the people I serve how to express themselves to God and even give them opportunities to “practice” corporately so they can also learn how to worship God privately. We have such an important role.
Adam, this is a lesson I keep getting taught as well. We can never stop teaching our people. Isn’t it crazy that we often forget to tell God ‘I love you?’ Thanks for THAT reminder bro!
Hey Rob, this is so fitting for where we are as a church. Being a new church plant it is very imperative that we educate our congregation to learn to be more comfortable and it starts with us being examples. I have just begun to raise my hands as often as I can during the songs but this is even out of my comfort zone as well. Thanks again for your inspiration.
Brian
Awesome Brian!
Amen @ Rob & Adam. This is an area not only that I fight on a daily basis…even in the privacy of my own home…yet to teach to others as a Pastor. Nothing like teaching from a point of vulnerability
I am praying many will take time to read this blog and be convicted to raise their hands in surrender, and to remember to tell Him how much we love Him.
It’s something I personally struggle with too. My constant check is to watch my heart’s motivation as I lead that it’s not just “going through the motions”, but truly authentic.
Brian has it right on too. The people watch those who lead to learn from us. And that includes all leaders (Pastors, Worship Leaders, Elders, Deacons, Team Leaders, Fathers, etc.). We teach by our own example probably more often than we think. And even though it’s imperative way beyond this, our personal relationship and passion for the Lord encourages others towards deeper passion and love for Him.
Truly poignant thoughts, Rob. One of the challenges of surrendering everything to God in worship is the fact that it takes *everything* within us to actually do it. We regularly encourage our community to press in via stages, challenging them to step beyond what’s comfortable and enter the seemingly uncomfortable. There’s so much reward in that zone because it’s where we can finally begin to give ourselves over to God’s hand and learn what it means to fully trust Him.
Don’t we hate the uncomfortable yet know that’s where we need to be?! I’d love to know more about your ‘stages’… I like that idea! Thanks Paulo!
Many times, I’ve found that quoting a related bible verse encourages people to lift up their hands.
Also, when the members of the worship team lift their hands, the congregation finds it easier to follow.
Yeah Gangai, I’m with you. It has to start from the stage and the leaders.