Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Summary: In this passage, Paul does something very important. He shows us how to show God the respect and honor he deserves.
I am tempted to begin this meditation with the words, “I want.”
“Why?” you ask.
Paul is generally very careful to distinguish between a word from the Lord and words that come from him personally. Paul’s letter to Titus uses a similar tone when he says:
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good…” (Titus 3:14)
In both passages, he sounds a bit like someone who is trying to organize a movement.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not discounting what Paul is saying here. I am just pointing to the motivation and to some extent, the authority behind Paul’s words.
So, what is it that Paul wants? He wants men everywhere to pray?
As a believer, it is hard to argue with Paul’s request. Especially the part about lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. Who among the believers does not want that!
Again, we wonder, “Why?”
Paul has just finished telling us a few verses ago. Prayers, petitions, intercession, and thanksgiving please our God.
Why? Why does this please God?
The answer to that has to do with our body language. People who are kneeling in prayer and lifting up holy hands are acknowledging God’s supremacy and lordship over all the earth.
Consider the alternatives.
People who are indifferent to God don’t acknowledge him this way.
Prayer demands humility. Petitions are a de facto acknowledgment that God has the power to alter history. Intercessions reflect both humility and God’s power to right wrongs. Giving thanks is an acknowledgment that God is the source of all that is good.
So let’s return to “I want” for a moment.
Sometimes it is better to let someone else brag on you. If you stand up in front of your friends and family and say, “I want you to recognize all that I do for you! I want you to show me the appreciation I deserve!”
That sounds rather egotistical, doesn’t it?
But if your friend, Paul, stands up on your behalf and says, “I want you all to show proper respect to our friend here,” that comes across very differently. You maintain proper humility, and your message still gets out.
I wonder if that is why God has Paul say it the way he does?
Application: Help make Paul’s request a reality. Join with people everywhere in prayer.
Food for Thought: How many ways are there to please God, and where is prayer on your list?
I suppose first on my list would be the desire to come home to Father. Second would be a humble and repentant heart. Third might be accepting Jesus as Lord. After that, probably prayer.
Thank you, CV!
I like your list!
The Bible tells us many ways that are pleasing to God. I would argue that all of them are only possible through a personal relationship with Christ, leading to a personal relationship with God. Prayer is us expressing our gratitude, thanksgiving, praise, and needs to God. Prayer is seeking God, expressing to Him the desires of our heart. In prayer we are giving Him our attention, expressing trust, and submitting to His Will.
In prayer, we focus our attention on Him and His Word.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
We express our faith in God in our prayers; we express trust in Him and seek His presence in our life.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
In prayer, we are submitting to His Will.
Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Thank you, Chris.
I completely agree — our relationship with Jesus Christ is essential!