8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
The first paragraph in this chapter was an overall strong call to prayer, especially as a body of believers. The Church is to be a place of prayer. This brief paragraph talks about the tendencies and responsibilities of men and women in this atmosphere of prayer. Men tend to take things into their own hands to fix them, often making a mess of things - especially relationships. We would rather act than ask. Paul is saying we need to do much more asking, much more praying, much more seeking God. Even the act of lifting holy hands is not about the method of doing things, but of a submissive heart in pursuit of holiness and finding out what God wants. The sad reality is that men often fail to lead the church in praying. Women, on the other hand, want to be noticed. They want to be seen and heard, and may become a distraction from this atmosphere of prayer. This is not a call for women to dress in dull clothes, or to hide physical beauty, as much as it is a call to keep the focus of worship and fellowship on the glory of God. It is letting women know: "yes, God does see you and hear you, but can others see and hear God because of you, or despite you?"
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