The Use Of Hands When We Pray

Have you ever thought about the many ways a person might use their hands when they pray. Different hand positions can mean different kinds of praying.

For example, if a person were praying with their hands lifted high, that might mean they were praising and thanking God. It reminds me of the words to an old praise song written by Dennis Jernigan. "With our hands lifted high to the sky and the world wonders why, we'll just tell them we are loving our King." Sadly, some have attributed such an act of worship associated with a select few of God followers. It is a biblical way of expressing adoration.

Many pray with placing the palms of their hands to together to make what has become known as praying hands. We often do this as a sign of reverence and sincerity. We put our hands together to make supplication and petitions.

A person could cup one fist over the other in a sign of pleading for God's help. In desperate times and in moments of critical need this cupping of the fists might be an appropriate response.

If person covered their face with their hands, it could be a sign of remorse and confession of sin. It could also be a sign of repentance and pleading God forgive us of trespasses.

When a person sits with hands turned palms up, this is a sign of receiving something from the Lord or surrendering burdens. If you believe God has things to speak to you and blessings to share with you, this posture is one way of expressing it. It is also a way of surrendering yourself and all your cares.

I challenge you to experiment. Use different postures in your prayer time. Try kneeing if your legs permit it. One of my favorites is to lay prostrate. No matter how you choose to express yourself in prayer the important part is that you actually pray. Commune with your Maker. Grow closer to Him. Trust Him in the harshness of life. Seek Him in the darkest of times. Praise and thank Him for His many benefits. Confess sins quickly. Plead your petitions for others. You might be surprised how often you use your hands to do all these things.