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Why do Christians lift their hands when worshipping?

When Christians worship, it’s common to see eyes closed, hands raised high, as if reaching towards unseen God himself.  But why does this ritual occur?  Is it a modern religious practice, a tradition, or is it from genuine, spiritual inspiration?

Exodus 9

33 Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. [Source]

Sometimes, when hands are lifted, storms cease.

 

Exodus 17

10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. [Source]

Sometimes, when hands are lifted, battles are won.

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