Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White's writings in the provided documents do not explicitly state whether raising hands during a church service is "allowed" or "disallowed" as a specific act of worship, but they do describe the lifting of hands in the context of making a solemn appeal and the spiritual duty to support one another. She noted that the apostle Paul, while making an appeal, was seen , which served as a powerful testimony of his labor for the Gospel. Beyond this specific instance, her counsel focuses heavily on the symbolic and practical use of hands in ministry. She encouraged believers to "Hold up their hands as did Aaron and Hur the hands of Moses" (Pr 248.1), referring to the need to support and pray for ministers. This suggests that the "lifting" or "holding up" of hands is often associated with providing strength and encouragement to those doing God's work. Furthermore, she emphasized that "Every hand should be outstretched to help the hand that is doing something for the Master" (TM 496.3). In this sense, the use of our hands is a sign of our connection to Christ and our interdependence on one another, as "no man is absolutely independent of his fellowmen" (TM 496.3). For practical application, while these passages don't address the physical posture of worship in church, they highlight that our hands should be active in service and used to "grasp the standard more firmly" (6T 72.3) when we feel discouraged. The emphasis is on the hands as "agencies of such importance" (13MR 209.1) that they must be used to honor God through helpfulness and steadfastness. In summary, while the provided texts don't explicitly regulate the raising of hands in worship, they present the lifting and outstretching of hands as gestures of appeal, support, and active service for the Master. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the proper posture for prayer? • How can we practically "hold up the hands" of our church leaders today? • What is the significance of "feeble hands" and "weak knees" in her writings?

Ellen White’s writings in the provided documents do not specifically address the act of clapping hands during worship services. Instead, her counsel emphasizes the use of hands for fellowship, mutual support, and as symbolic agencies in ministry and spiritual connection. In the context of church life, she highlights the "right hand of fellowship" (1T 20.3) as a significant gesture of welcome and belonging. She also noted instances where a "kindly handclasp" (3MR 44.5) among fellow travelers created a sense of friendship and mutual good wishes, suggesting that the physical use of hands in a religious or social context should foster connection and kindness. Furthermore, Ellen White viewed hands as vital "agencies of such importance that without them the body can do nothing" (13MR 209.1). She encouraged believers to use their hands to support one another, stating that . This focus on service and encouragement suggests that the primary purpose of our hands in a spiritual setting is to and to assist those in need. For practical application, while these documents do not provide a specific instruction regarding clapping, they suggest that the movements of our hands should be directed toward meaningful service and the building up of the community. Whether through a handshake or helping a fellow believer, the goal is to . Ultimately, the provided writings focus on the hands as instruments of fellowship and ministry rather than addressing specific postures like clapping in worship. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the "right hand of fellowship" in the church? • How should we support those whose "hands are weak" according to her writings? • What is the spiritual significance of "clasping the hand of Christ" in our daily walk?