1 Timothy 2:8 – Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Though this verse specifically addresses men (the Greek word used indicates men, not mankind), it does not mean the verse is not applicable to everyone. Let’s see what we can glean from today’s verse.
Understanding the culture at the time will help give us background knowledge that makes the literal translation of the verse better understood. At the time when Paul was writing, prayer was often delegated to others. Men were not typically the ones who were asked to pray. It was delegated to women. But Paul counters this by telling the men that they, too, should be praying.
In today’s age, we know that everyone should pray. And not only should everyone pray, but we should do so without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is open to anyone and everyone. We all have access to God thanks to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Take advantage of that access, use it continuously, and pour out your hearts to Him.
The verse continues, telling them to lift their hands in prayer. We see this frequently throughout the psalms. Psalm 134:2 tells us to lift our hands to the holy place and bless Him. Psalm 88:9 speaks of spreading out hands to Him. Psalm 28:2 mentions lifting hands to His holy sanctuary. Psalm 63:4 goes on to say “So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.” And the list goes on…
Not only should we lift our hands in prayer, but they should be HOLY hands, lifted without anger. Holy, as it is indicated here, means something dedicated or consecrated to God. We lift our hands to God to present everything we are and everything we have. Our hands, therefore, symbolize our lives.
A quick note to conclude today – There are multiple verses that speak of accompanying actions like raising our hands. Each action mentioned in the Bible is not instruction that we must pray in that posture or position, but they do show us additional ways that we might express our hearts and willingness to surrender to God. Raising your hands should not be done if you feel it is awkward or uncomfortable to you. Your heart matters the most. Take your requests to God with the right attitude. Raise your hands if you feel led, kneel if you prefer, prostrate yourself face down if that helps you better approach God, or lift your eyes to the heavens as you pray. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. The main thing is simply to pray.
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