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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
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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
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The list of essays to follow
- Can Christians eat what is offered to idols?
- Is Childlessness a curse?
- The ways of protest
- Should women cover their heads while praying?
- Casteism in Christians
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