Last night as I was drifting off to sleep, I started to think about sung worship and the many different responses people have to it. Some people love it, are worship ‘junkies’ and can’t get enough; others are impatient for that part of any service or gathering to be OVER so the real worship of listening to the preaching can start.

I go to an amazing church. I love it. In our church some people seem to feel comfortable with raising their hands during singing and others clearly don’t. I wonder why this is?

Where else in life do we raise our hands? Perhaps in times of excitement, or fear? To show we are present. Maybe if we feel embarrassed we will raise our hands to cover our faces. Occasionally hands up (especially in military circumstances) means to surrender or show that you aren’t carrying any weapon. We might put our hands up in horror or alarm or even when we are laughing really hard.

Raising our hands is certainly an outward sign of an inward emotion. It is not always thought about and sometimes is simply the first reaction we have.

So why do I raise my hands in worship?

I do it because I can’t NOT do it.
I shout out because I can’t NOT shout it.

It is part of my expression to God for who He is and all He has done.

So what about you? Do you raise your hands? Or dance? Or sing loudly? If not, why not? What stops you just letting go and feeling free to worship in the way you were made to? If people can shout themselves hoarse at a football match, why can’t they do this in church?

I hope it is not others around you putting you off. I suspect it is a little self consciousness… So maybe have a word with yourself and give yourself permission to show others and to show God what He means to you.
Go on! Praise and raise!