Guest Post by Jody Thomae

Postures of Prayer & Praise are “outer representations of an inner reality.”

Exploring: Hands Raised in Praise, Prayer & Petition

I Kings 8:22-23 – Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.”

Solomon is 1st giving words of praise to God; 2nd witnessing in front of everyone; and 3rd remembering God’s covenant of love.

I Timothy 2:8 – Therefore I want people everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Here we find hands raised in prayer, and note that it is to be without anger or dispute in your heart.

Psalm 28:1-2 – I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands towards your holy sanctuary.

In this prayer, the writer David is petitioning God to hear his prayer with arms reaching. He cries out to God, lifting his hands towards God in heaven.

Putting It Into Practice

This posture can be done standing, seated or kneeling. I like to imagine I am a young child, reaching my arms up to my Father God. As you experiment with lifting hands towards God today, start by letting go of any anger you have towards another. Second, remember scripture says your hands are holy. Next, think about literally lifting your praise towards him, and finally, lift your prayer of petition (request) before him. Might I suggest using Chris Tomlin’s song "I Lift My Hands" as you do:

EMBODIED :: Postures of Prayer & Praise

This post was originally published in an “Embodied” series on www.jodythomae.com during Lent. In this series, Jody explored the following postures of prayer and praise:

EMBODIED WEEK 1 :: Hands Raised
EMBODIED WEEK 2 :: Palms Down
EMBODIED WEEK 3 :: Palms Up
EMBODIED WEEK 4 :: Hands Together
EMBODIED WEEK 5 :: Hands to Heart
EMBODIED WEEK 6 :: Hands Flat (Prostrate)
EMBODIED WEEK 7 :: Hands Clapping

Blessings of ARTistry, CREATivity & BEaUty,
Jody

Jody Thomae is a Registered YogaFaith Trainer, a 200-RYT, a YogaFaith Ambassador, a certified Silver Sneakers Yoga Instructor, and a Relax & Renew(R) Restorative Yoga Teacher. She is trained in trauma sensitive yoga through The Trauma Center and is a certified Trauma Sensitive YogaFaith (TSYF) Teacher/Trainer and hosts Trauma Sensitive YogaFaith trainings each year in the Midwest. See www.rootedreaching.com for more info.

Jody is also a worship leader, teacher of embodied prayer, creative worship and spirituality, and is the author of God’s Creative Gift-Unleashing the Artist in You and the forthcoming book, The Creator’s Healing Power-Restoring the Broken to Beautiful. You can read more about her writings and creative ministry at www.jodythomae.com.