I will therefore that men pray every where,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1 Timothy 2:8
What would “wrath and doubting” have to do with literally raising the hands in a worship service? In commenting on 1 Timothy 2:8, the S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 295 states that the lifting up of holy hands is “figurative of a character void of moral defilement” and that “the hands symbolize deeds.”
which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
Psalm 119:48
Why would we literally lift up our hands to the commandments? The verse is obviously written in figurative speech. Those who raise their hands should instead be folding them in prayer and on their knees in repentance." FP
