HCC Weekly - September 29th

September 29th, 2025

Pastor Ken

I Timothy 2:8 (NIV)

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

I and II Timothy are considered instructional books. For example, I Timothy 2:8 gives three practical guidelines for praying in church.

FIRST – You are to “lift up holy hands.”

The lifting of hands in public prayer was a Hebrew tradition. In Hebrew culture, “hands” symbolized power, so the lifting of hands in prayer represents giving up all your power to the Lord, thereby confessing your total and complete dependence upon Him.

SECOND - You are to pray “without anger.”

In this context “anger” conveys “stress” or “anxiety,” which means that prayer is not just about your own agenda. While you are encouraged to bring your needs and your desires to the Lord in prayer, you must remember that prayer is first and foremost surrendering to the will, the purpose, and the plan of God.

THIRD – You are to pray “without disputing.”

In other words, don’t argue with God. Don’t squabble with Him because He’s not doing things to suit you. You either trust that God knows best and knows what He’s doing in your life, or you don’t.

While this advice is certainly pertinent to everyone, it’s especially relevant to a specific category: Men. MEN EVERYWHERE SHOULD PRAY. Paul is singling out the role of men in public worship. He is challenging Christian men, everywhere, to accept their God-given obligation to be the leader and the example of submission to the will of God – both at home and in the church.

While we’re on the subject, this is a good place to remind all HCC men about our next monthly breakfast meeting which will be this Saturday, October 4th, 8:00 AM, in the church fellowship hall. Come enjoy a time of fellowship, devotion and especially prayer.

Have a great Monday.