I will praise you as long as I live,
   lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
Psalm 63:4

Raised hands, a signal of prayer.

How did that gesture begin?

Hands empty, longing to be filled?
Hands offering up, releasing whatever they had been holding tightly?
Hand opens, waiting?

My hands reach out, stretching toward His touch.

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O God, you are my God;
    I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
    my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
    where there is no water.

I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.

Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!

I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
Psalm 63:1-4