Scripture

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

Observation

In every place of worship, men must pray with hands and hearts that are holy and dedicated to the Lord.

Women must be modest in their dress, not drawing attention to themselves with ostentatious hair arrangements or expensive clothes and jewellery. Women should learn submissively. They should not lord it over the men.

Application

People can be proud in their public worship. They draw attention to themselves in the way they pray or in their appearance.

God is not interested in these human power games. He wants hearts that are focused on Him, hearts that are surrendered to Him.

So we pray with holy hands. Our hands must not be a party to sin during the week. God will cleanse us from sin, but we have to ask Him and confess our sins before we get to worship.

Our hands should be lifted to God in surrender to Him. We reach up to Him as the source of every good thing.

We must be free from anger and controversy. If we are not walking in genuine love with our brothers and sisters, then how can we seek the presence of the Lord?

Worship and prayer are not about actions. God judges our hearts and not our outward appearance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you command us to be holy, just as you are holy. Please help me to approach your throne confidently, but always in the knowledge of your grace. Amen