Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Psalm 28:2

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. Luke 24:50

Devotion

When I was a child, I was taught to pray in a particular posture, with my head down, eyes closed, and hands together. It is a position of reverence and humility, and it is still the way I pray today.

However, I have noticed lately that the position of my body might be the same, but the posture of my heart looks much different. I feel the need to reach out to the Lord like I never have before, with raised hands, as in worship. 

As an introvert, this is new and not always comfortable! I don’t want to stand out in the crowd. I will be the quiet one in the room. I typically let others go ahead of me in lines. In a social setting, I am usually the listener, not the talker. And I would never presume to raise my hands and bring attention to myself.

In our normal lives, raising our hands is actually not that uncommon. We lift our hands when we want something, like a question we need answered in a classroom. When we want someone’s attention, we raise our hands and wave. When we are celebrating a victory, or overwhelmed with excitement, our hands go up. We also raise our hands when things are not going well. When there is an emergency and we need help, our hands go up. And how many times have we seen small children seeking their parents, hands outstretched? Kids often use their hands to ask mom or dad to hold them for comfort and safety, or ease to their sadness. By raising their little arms, children know they will receive closeness and connection.

How wonderful that we can do this as well, turn to our father in prayer, whether we are happy or sad, confused or confident, when we are in danger or in need of comfort. There is nothing more natural than reaching out to the God who loves us unconditionally. There is no prayer too big or too small for God. He is not bothered by us; in fact, we know he welcomes us and wants us to seek him.

In my prayers, in my continuous conversation with God, I am more and more convinced I also have the freedom to run to him in bold prayer. With upturned hands, I pray to Jesus who is my security and my safety. I lift my hands in joy and praise for the gift of salvation. 

I need to lift my hands because I cannot live any other way.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I lift my hands to you because I know you love me. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness, leading me through this world. I want to fearlessly follow you, not allowing anything to get in the way of your will. I ask for your guidance and your protection. Father, take my hands and hold me close. Amen.

Kimberly Dean
Pastor, LifeCare Ministries - Kids & Teens

Her passion is sitting with those who are hurting and seeing how God is working in their lives.

Resources

• Listen to Song of Surrender by Crossings Venue Worship.
• Listen to O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship.

Read More Devotions

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions.