I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. I stretch forth my hands - This is a natural action. All in distress, or under the influence of eager desire, naturally extend their hands and arms, as if to catch at help and obtain succor.
As a thirsty land - Parched and burned by the sun, longs for rain, so does my thirsty soul for the living God.