THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
In the life that You have bestowed upon me, not the existence I selected in search of harmony among many paths, but the life granted by Your grace for the purpose of glorifying You, I shall proclaim Your goodness. I recognize that it is by Your mercy that I possess this life in which I honor You, rather than by any actions of my own. In Your name, I will lift my hands in worship. Therefore, let us raise our hands in prayer. Our Lord extended His hands for us upon the Cross and reached out to us; hence, His hands were opened on the Cross, allowing our hands to be extended for righteous deeds, for His Cross has brought us grace. Notice how He raised His hands and presented Himself as an offering to God on our behalf, and through this offering, all our transgressions were erased.
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Let us, too, uplift our hands to God in supplication, trusting that hands raised in prayer will not be put to shame if they are devoted to good works. What does it mean when one raises their hands? Where is it commanded that we approach God with uplifted hands? For the Apostle reminds us to "Lift up holy hands, without anger or quarreling" (1 Tim. 2:8). This serves as a reminder that when you raise your hands to God, you should consider your actions. Although these hands are elevated to seek Your favor, they ought to be engaged in righteous endeavors, so they may confidently be lifted before God. In Your name, I shall raise my hands. Such are our prayers in this wilderness of Idumea, in this barren land devoid of water and direction, where Christ is our Way (John 14:6), distinct from the paths available in this world.