Hands Lifted Up

The lifting of the hands is not only the characteristic posture of prayer; among the ancient Hebrews, it was also appropriate for praise. This action displays the anticipation of gratefully receiving from God and the sense of surrender to Him.

 “The lifting up of the hands was a gesture in prayer, it was an intimation of their expectation of receiving blessings from the Lord, and it was also an acknowledgment of their having received the same.” (Spurgeon)

It may be that the sanctuary is used more generally here, referring to the temple precincts as a whole. Although, the priests or Levites had access to the temple building itself.

God’s people should give Him thanks, honor, praise, and glory wherever they are. The idea that men only need to praise in a church is wrong, we should praise everywhere: This has the concept of “In every church,” and not of “In every place.” Paul’s focus is on what the church does when it comes together for meetings.

The idea that we should pray always and that prayer should be a regular part of our life wherever we go is good and valid, but it is not what Paul means here.

Since the lifting up of hands was a typical posture of prayer in ancient cultures, this text speaks of men leading public prayer – men representing the congregation before God’s throne. This isn't to say women can't, however, this is just how it was then.

Hands that are lifted up must be holy, because hands that are set apart unto God, and not given over to evil. This action should be without wrath and doubting, just like prayers must be without praying “angry” prayers and without questioning. We should never be praying without faith in the Lord, and we must not lift out hands out of anything other than devotion. By pray angry or pray without faith, we can do more bad than right, especially when the prayer is public.

“Having no vindictive feeling against any person; harboring no unforgiving spirit, while they are imploring pardon for their own offenses.” (Clarke)

Scripture References: 

    Psalm 134:2 says: "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."

    1 Timothy 2:8 says: "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and   

     doubting."