Something To Try

Years ago, I moved to a new church. It was great, apart from one thing. Some people lifted their hands up while singing worship songs. I wasn’t used to that and initially I had some judgmental thoughts about them. Were they attention-seeking? Over-emotional? Whatever the reason, I didn’t much like it. However, most people in the congregation seemed normal, so I just tried not to sit too near to the odd ones!

Later I moved again and eventually ended up at a church where almost everyone waved their hands about in worship. By this time, I was feeling really joyful in worship too, so I understood there wasn’t a negative reason for it, but I was far too self-conscious to contemplate trying it myself.

Then one day, in a moment of extraordinary courage, I lifted one hand very slightly. Quickly I looked around. Was anyone watching? No - phew! I lifted it a bit further and before long I had lifted it up properly.

I was really surprised. That felt so good! Suddenly I realised why they did it. It felt amazing. It helped me so much when my body reflected what my spirit was feeling. These days I love to raise my hands in worship. It seems to emphasise everything I’m trying to say to God, and it strengthens me in my spirit at the same time.

Today’s verse is a prayer from the Psalms. It was normal in those days for people to raise their hands when praying.

Likewise, people often knelt to pray (eg Ephesians 3:14) and most prayers were spoken out loud (Psalm 142:1).

Our bodies are designed to be part of our worship. Something very special happens when our body takes a full part in our connection with God. We feel so much more involved and are much less likely to lose concentration, get bored or distracted.

Is there some way in which you could involve your whole body a bit more in your worship and prayer? Could you try kneeling? Speaking aloud in your private prayers? Even try lifting your hands to pray or worship? Just as I was, you might be quite surprised at the difference it makes.