In Paul’s inspired letter to Timothy, he declared, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). In this one verse we learn a great deal regarding man’s communication to God. Prayer is such an important part of the Christian’s life. Of course, prayer is act of worship. Given the context of 1 Timothy, it appears that Paul was dealing with a mixed assembly of men and women and how each was to conduct himself or herself within the assembly of the church. There are at least three notable things for us to consider.
Firstly, we see the plan. “I will therefore that men everywhere…” Interestingly, Paul made it abundantly clear that in a mixed assembly “men” are the ones who are to pray. The word the Holy Spirit chose is not anthropos, which is the generic word for mankind when no gender is specified. However, Paul was specific; he used the word aner, which is gender specific referring to males only. God specifically gave leadership roles in the church and in the home to men.
Secondly, we see the posture, “…lifting up holy hands…” This section of the verse has led many well-meaning people to believe things that are simply not true. For example, some have taken this verse to mean that we are to literally lift up our hands while singing. However, this verse has nothing to do with singing at all. The context is prayer. Also, what significance would lifting up our literal hands have regarding worship? If we dig just a little bit into God’s Word, we can understand that this phrase of “lifting holy hands” is a figure of speech called a synecdoche, which is when a part (hands) is put for the whole (lifestyle).
The idea of lifting hands in prayer is borrowed from the Old Testament. When Solomon prayed at the dedication of the temple, “he spread forth his hands toward heaven” (1 Kings 8:22). In one of his prayers, David exclaimed, “Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto you; when I lift up my hands toward your holy oracle” (Psalm 28:2). To the superficial, hypocritical worshippers in Isaiah’s day, the Lord God said, “And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15). While the Hebrews did lift up their hands in worship, that was certainly not the only acceptable posture. Prayer was made standing (1 Samuel 1:26), kneeling (1 Kings 8:54), prostrate (1 Kings 18:42), audibly (John 17:1; 18:1), silently (1 Samuel 1:13), with bowed head (Genesis 24:26) or with uplifted eyes (John 17:1). Obviously, a particular posture in prayer was not what God was emphasizing.
Also, literally speaking, there is no such thing as “holy hands.” This figure of speech was used to denote and describe a holy person. For example, in Proverbs 6:16-19 God used several body parts metaphorically to denote several evil actions: “haughty eyes,” “lying tongue,” “hands that shed innocent blood,” “wicked heart” and “feet that run to mischief.” While these body parts are used, they more accurately describe the person. The point being made by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:8 was that those men who pray, especially publically, must be holy men.
Lastly, we see the positivity, “…without wrath and doubting.” Prayer must be viewed as a result-giving practice. So often, we fail to really believe that prayer can change things. Our confidence must be sure and steadfast when it comes to prayer! James reminded his readers that prayer must be wrapped in confidence (James 1:5-6). Someone correctly said, “We pray for rain and leave our umbrellas at home.” How silly! God can and does answer prayer!
One of the greatest teachers of humility is communication with God. Prayer helps us to realize that we are not sufficient on our own. We need our Creator! Prayer allows God to open His benevolent storehouse and bless His faithful children. Men, when you are privileged to lead a group of Christians in prayer, never take that responsibility lightly. Remember, you are treading on “holy ground.” One’s life must be pure, and one’s prayer must be sure when coming into the presence of Almighty God!
