[boatbums]

My prayer is that God would lead me and fill me and show me HIS way. I have no interest in MANS knowledge.

That should be all our prayers. I remember the first time I went to a nondenominational church from a Southern Baptist tradition (after I was won to Jesus from Catholicism). There were some members who were very "charismatic" leaning, but the pastor was a by-the-Bible teacher and did not allow them to speak in their "tongues" during the service though many also raised their hands in praise. I was adamant that I was not going to be counted among them since I did not believe that tongues were for today.

It took many months but the more God touched my heart with the worship music the more I understood the desire to raise my hands in worship. The first time I did it, it was only one hand, down low, so people couldn't see. I did not want to draw attention to myself. We would sing

"I stand I stand in awe of you.

I stand I stand in awe of you.

Holy God to whom all praise is due.

I stand in awe of you."

and slowly God showed me how freeing and liberating it was to just lift up my hands to him in adoration and worship. I stopped caring what others might think and I went away feeling so blessed to be able to praise the Lord together with others who loved him as much and more than I did.

We each have to answer to God. We have his word to show us the truth. We have his Holy Spirit to illuminate his words to us and we have each other to share and rejoice in his goodness towards us.

[mountn man]

I know what you mean.

When in worship...I mean REAL WORSHIP...its impossible to keep my hands down.

I was backpacking in Montana about 5-6 years ago. It was a low overcast day. We were climbing over a pass and near the top, and the clouds broke a little and the sun broke through a little. I doubt the clouds were more than 1000-1500' feet above.

When the sun broke through, it was the most physical/emotional experience I can remember. It was like God pulled back the clouds like a blanket just for me.

I instantly started singing How Great Thou Art, with hands raised and tears flowing.

I reached the top and looked over the valley with sunstreams flowing down. AWE INSPIRING.

This is very close to what it looked like

[Quix]

ABSOLUTELY INDEED.

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

BESIDES

IT IS A BIBLICAL

!COMAND!

WHY IS IT
that so many congregations and denominations
are proud of
DISOBEYING
that
BIBLICAL COMMAND?

There's only one
adequate, valid answer I know of:
Human
!CONTROL!, PRIDE AND STUBBORNNESS!

[grey_whiskers]

"I stand I stand in awe of you.
I stand I stand in awe of you.
Holy God to whom all praise is due.
I stand in awe of you."

(Sound of grey_whiskers purring. The three of you might enjoy this.)

Cheers!