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Tim Maas
In my opinion, Paul's intent in this passage was to emphasize the importance of prayer itself, rather than prescribing the use of any one particular posture while praying. Lifting of the hands can be used while praying as a common practice because of its connotation as a gesture of both submission and supplication, as well as "reaching out" in appeal toward God, when regarded as being in heaven above us. However, Jesus spoke of God hearing our prayers even when made in the privacy of our room with the door shut (Matthew 6:6). Jesus also commended the publican who would not even lift his eyes to heaven while praying, but beat upon his breast in contrition, rather than raising his hands (Luke 18:13-14). The important aspect of prayer is not the physical posture we assume, but the regularity, sincerity, humility, or gratitude with which we approach and speak to God, and also that we do not pray for the purpose of publicly making a show of our piety before others (Matthew 6:5).
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