Note 18 at 1 Tim. 2:8: New Testament Christians lifted their hands when offering prayers. "This was a common Old Testament practice (cf., e.g., 1 Kings 8:22; 2 Chron. 6:13; Ezra 9:5; Pss. 28:2; 141:2; Lam. 2:19). It was also common in the pagan mystery religions of the first century and in the early church. Paintings on the walls of the catacombs in Rome portray this posture" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A. Duane Litfin, p.735).

The lifting up of hands was considered holy and signified a life surrendered and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note 19 at 1 Tim. 2:8: Praying without wrath and doubt are two necessary conditions to receive answers to prayers. We must pray in faith (Mk. 11:24), for without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). We cannot pray in wrath-using prayer to get even with people or harbor unforgiveness in our hearts.