Getting Started

A few weeks ago I discussed the common practice (in many churches, not ours) of hand raising in worship in my post Up, Up and Away

I confessed that I am inclined toward this act of praise. Indeed, I am often so compelled in my affection for God that restraint is very difficult!

If I’m going to step over the line into hand-raising territory, I have some unanswered questions, however. I realize I'm completely in the dark of its protocol.

1) When do I raise my hands, and when do I put them down?
2) Do I make a fist in the air with my upraised hand, or do I open it?
3) Is there a specific meaning if I raise my hands only halfway, fully extend them, or just hold them at elbow height?
4) Is it acceptable to open my eyes during this display, or is it proper to keep them closed?
5) How do I know I am not blocking the view of the person behind me, as our worship songs’ lyrics are displayed on Power Point up front?
6) What constitutes an ostentatious, showy, excessive pretention in this practice? (I’d rather err on the side of modesty…)
7) Where does fist pumping fit into this?
8) When and how does hand-waving come in?
9) And is it crossing some line to sway?

Is there a protocol to this? I don’t want to give mixed signals. Is there a manual?! This may be more complicated than one thinks!

To my rescue, Tim Hawkins provides some helpful instruction.
Follow this link to hear his lighthearted ‘hands on---or is it hands up?!’ summary. 
Hand Raising 101