Genuine prayer among the Ephesian church had declined because of the false teachers' influence (see 1 Timothy 6:4–5; 1:4; compare 2 Timothy 3:1–5; Titus 3:9–11).
lifting up holy hands: See Isaiah 1:15–17. This was an ancient gesture for praise and asking for help (see Exodus 9:29; 1 Kings 8:22, 54; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 28:2; Luke 24:50).
without anger or dissension: Compare James 3:8–12.