Question:Why do people clap or raise their hands or even dance in praise and worship?

Answer: This question has a three fold answer so let me answer the first one. Psalm 134:2 says: "Lift up your hands in the Sanctuary, and bless the Lord." We literally bless God in our obedience to lift our hands in surrender and adoration of Him.

Second, when we see people dancing in worship of the Lord, it may seem odd to us especially if we are accustomed to traditional worship and not real Bible based worship. Psalm 150:4 says: "Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs." The greatest king of Israel, King David lived out this type of Worship. When the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem, David danced in worship of God before it.

Third, clapping is always associated with giving some kind of approval and even great appreciation for someone. Who better to show our approval and appreciation to than God Himself? Psalm 47:1 says: "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."