At ECC, worshipers commonly use their voices to sing praises to God and raise their hands or clap along to the music. A smaller number might call out “Amen” or lift their arms up to the heavens, also to worship God. Ever wonder what is going on in that person’s head and heart while they are worshiping like this? You might think, “That person is swept up by the music or lyrics, or the person is spiritually on fire to have such an emotional, spontaneous reaction to the song or hymn.”
In my own heart, being swept up by the lyrics, a melody, or gratitude have indeed caused me to raise my hands in praising God. But more often than not, the raising of my hands or vocalizations is used as a posture to usher my heart and mind toward a right attitude that pleases God. And that frame of mind is one which holds that I am His subject, He is king; I am the servant, He is Lord; I am His creation, He is the creator.
I am not always prepared to worship God in spirit and truth. I am not always in a right relationship with God when I enter the sanctuary on Sunday morning. But the raising of my hands helps me to put aside the chatter in my head. It redirects my attention and focus toward God. At times, my raised hands signify a plea for the Holy Spirit to help me see the glory and majesty of God. On other occasions, my raised hands may take the place of kneeling before the Lord in prayer, asking God to help me overcome my weaknesses and acknowledging that I have fallen short in many ways. My raised hands can also signify a plea for His Holy Spirit to fill me, or signify a thirst for God that is waiting to be filled. These gestures reflect my heart’s desire.
If you find it difficult to place your heart and mind into a proper posture of worship, try using your body language to lead or express your desire for sincere worship. You may discover certain body movements or positions could direct or lead your heart and mind into that sacred space to worship God without reservation or distractions.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4