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CAN WOMEN LIFT HANDS IN WORSHIP?


Apostle Paul, while writing to Timothy instructions on how men and women should conduct themselves in the Church, said, “I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and exhorted women to dress modestly and concentrate on inner virtues rather than on outward appearance” (I Tim 2:8-9). This has given rise to the question whether women can lift hands in worship like men.

The passage does not suggest that Paul would not allow women folks lift hands in worship. In fact the 9th verse begins with the phrase, “ in like   manner   also”  !   He  did  not  begin  his
exhortation to women with the conjuction, “but”! Paul’s intention here was not to say that lifting up of hands was allowed for men only.

Lifting up of hands for praise and prayer was normal in Hebrew practice. Moses told pharaoh, “ I will spread out my hands to the Lord” (Ex 9:29). David prayed, “ Let my prayer be set before you as incense; the lifting up of hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psa 141:2). Solomon “spread out his hands toward heaven” while offering the prayer of dedication of the temple (1 Ki 8:22). The grief stricken Ezra fell on his knees with fasting and spread out his hands to the Lord God (Ezr 9:5). God in His anger over the wickedness of Judah said, “ when you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you” (Isa 1:15).

Obviously the practice of lifting up of hands as a normal posture in prayer was not limited to the male members. “Miriam took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances” (Ex 15:20). How is dancing with timbrel possible without lifting up hands ever? Similarly the women who came to greet king Saul in appreciation of the new champion David were “singing and dancing…with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments” (1 Sam 18:6). Imagine such a hilarious expression with hands hanging down or folded! Were there not women folks in the great crowd which came out with palm branches in their hands to meet Jesus and sing hosanna? (Jn 12:12,13).

In tribal culture, men play the instruments and women dance. It’s an accepted fact that women in general are more graceful in dancing than male counterparts especially in fine movements. In our mission fields we encourage tribal dance in worship. It’s beautiful!

Those who oppose women worshipping with uplifted hands belong mostly to the section in which women wear sarees, and have to use one end of the saree to cover their heads. Those who wear salwar kammz or frocks or similar dresses have no problem. In any case,during worship men are supposed to keep their eyes closed in such conservative culture!

Some women are less expressive in physical postures of worship. They must not be pressurized directly or indirectly to lift up their hands or dance. Those women who find lifting up of hands in worship very natural and relaxing should not be criticized or discouraged. This is not a doctrinal issue at all. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1Cor 14:40).

This essay has been taken from the Book “Frank answers” by Brother R. Stanley, a renowned Christian teacher of Blessing Youth Mission, Vellore.


Suresh Manoharan



  The list of essays to follow

  1. Can Christians eat what is offered to idols?
  2. Is Childlessness a curse?
  3. The ways of protest
  4. Should women cover their heads while praying?
  5. Casteism in Christians