LAYING ON OF HANDS
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Laying on of Hands”
The laying on of hands is a symbolic and sacramental action in which a believer—often a leader, elder, or minister—places hands upon another person to impart blessing, healing, commissioning, empowerment, or identification, according to Scripture and Christian tradition.
It is a physical act that signifies a spiritual transfer, affirmation, or setting apart, grounded in biblical practice and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS
Old Testament Roots
Laying on of hands appears frequently for:
Blessing — Genesis 48:14 (Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh)
Ordination / Setting apart — Numbers 27:18 (Moses commissioning Joshua)
Identification in sacrifice — Leviticus 1:4
Symbolism in the Old Testament
Transmission
Identification
Impartation
Confirmation
Reflection
From the beginning, God used physical touch to communicate spiritual reality.
You can see this practice as a bridge between the visible and invisible.
New Testament Significance
Laying on of hands is connected to:
1. Healing
“They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:18
2. Receiving the Holy Spirit
Acts 8:17 — “They laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
3. Commissioning / Ministry
Acts 13:3 — Paul and Barnabas set apart by laying on of hands.
4. Ordaining Elders
1 Timothy 4:14 — Timothy received a spiritual gift “through prophecy and the laying on of hands.”
5. Blessing
Mark 10:16 — Jesus placed His hands on children and blessed them.
Reflection
The laying on of hands is woven into the life of the early Church. You can embrace it as a biblical, Spirit‑filled practice for today.
THE MEANING BEHIND THE ACTION
A. Symbol of Identification
To lay hands on someone is to say:
“We stand with you.”
“We recognise God’s call on your life.”
“We bless what God is doing.”
Reflection
It is a sign of solidarity and spiritual family.
B. Instrument of Impartation
God uses physical touch to:
Impart blessing
Impart power
Impart gifts
Impart healing
Reflection
The act is simple, but the grace is profound.
C. Affirmation of the Community
A public acknowledgement of:
Calling
Commissioning
God’s work
Unity and fellowship
Reflection
Laying on of hands is a communal “Amen” to God’s work in someone’s life.
D. Conduit of Healing
Jesus touched:
The sick
The blind
The deaf
The oppressed
Reflection
Healing flows through compassionate touch.
INFLUENTIAL CHRISTIAN REFLECTIONS
Wesley: Not human power, but God’s grace through human hands.
Aquinas: An outward sign through which the Spirit confers grace.
Dallas Willard: We join God in what He is doing.
A.W. Tozer: The Spirit loves to flow through consecrated hands.
Cyril of Jerusalem: The Spirit is poured upon the soul as hands are laid.
Reflection
The Church has always seen this act as sacred, powerful, and Spirit‑filled.
USES OF LAYING ON OF HANDS IN CHRISTIAN PRACTICE
1. Healing
For:
Sickness
Deliverance
Emotional wounds
Spiritual oppression
2. Ordination / Commissioning
For:
Elders
Pastors
Missionaries
Ministry teams
3. Blessing
For:
Children
New believers
Marriages
Homes
4. Impartation of Spiritual Gifts
Especially in charismatic and Pentecostal traditions.
5. Baptism in the Spirit
Accompanying:
Filling
Gifts
Empowerment for witness
Reflection
This practice touches every dimension of Christian life — healing, calling, blessing, and empowerment.
WARNINGS AND WISDOM
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” — 1 Timothy 5:22
Meaning:
Discernment is needed
Leaders must not commission too quickly
Spiritual responsibility is serious
Reflection
Laying on of hands is powerful — and must be used with wisdom, purity, and humility.
Short Definition
LAYING ON OF HANDS A biblical act of blessing, commissioning, healing, and imparting spiritual grace through physical touch, symbolising divine power and community affirmation — a visible sign of God’s invisible work.
In Daily Faith
Pray with faith, imparting God’s blessing and guidance through hands and presence.
IN DAILY FAITH: PRACTICING THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
1. Pray for Others With Confidence and Compassion
Biblical Guidance
James 5:14 — Pray over the sick.
Mark 16:18 — Lay hands on the sick and they will recover.
Daily Application
Ask, “Can I pray for you right now?”
Gently lay a hand on their shoulder if they agree.
Trust God to do the work.
Why This Matters
Touch communicates love and faith.
Encouragement
Your hands can become instruments of God’s comfort.
2. Speak Blessing Over Others — Especially Children
Biblical Guidance
Mark 10:16 — Jesus blessed children with His hands.
Numbers 6:24–26 — The priestly blessing.
Daily Application
Bless your children daily.
Bless your spouse before work.
Bless friends in difficult seasons.
Why This Matters
Blessing shapes identity and atmosphere.
Encouragement
Your words and touch can plant seeds of peace.
3. Encourage Those Growing Spiritually
Biblical Guidance
Acts 13:3 — Commissioning through laying on of hands.
Hebrews 10:24 — Stir one another to good works.
Daily Application
Pray over someone stepping into ministry.
Affirm their gifts.
Ask God to strengthen their calling.
Why This Matters
Encouragement empowers discipleship.
Encouragement
Your affirmation can ignite someone’s calling.
4. Restore Unity and Reconciliation
Biblical Guidance
Ephesians 4:3 — Keep unity of the Spirit.
Matthew 5:23–24 — Be reconciled.
Daily Application
Pray with someone after conflict.
Use touch as a sign of restored peace.
Ask God to heal the relationship.
Why This Matters
Unity is strengthened through embodied grace.
Encouragement
Your touch can mend what words alone cannot.
5. Strengthen Your Faith Through Prayer Ministry
Biblical Guidance
1 Timothy 4:14 — Gifts imparted through laying on of hands.
2 Timothy 1:6 — “Fan into flame” the gift given through this act.
Daily Application
Join prayer teams.
Pray over leaders and missionaries.
Receive prayer from others.
Why This Matters
Mutual ministry builds spiritual maturity.
Encouragement
Let others strengthen you as you strengthen them.
6. Pray for the Filling and Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
Biblical Guidance
Acts 8:17 — Received the Spirit through laying on of hands.
Acts 19:6 — The Spirit came upon them.
Daily Application
Ask leaders to pray for Spirit‑empowerment.
Pray for others seeking deeper intimacy with God.
Why This Matters
The Spirit empowers witness, holiness, and boldness.
Encouragement
God delights to fill those who ask.
7. Use Discernment, Humility, and Purity
Biblical Guidance
1 Timothy 5:22 — Do not be hasty.
Proverbs 4:23 — Guard your heart.
Daily Application
Pray before laying hands on someone.
Ensure motives are pure.
Follow pastoral guidance.
Seek the Spirit’s leading.
Why This Matters
Purity protects the practice.
Encouragement
God honours hands that are consecrated to Him.
In Daily Faith
LAYING ON OF HANDS Practice prayer, blessing, encouragement, healing, and empowerment with humble confidence — allowing God to work through your hands as instruments of His love, unity, and grace.
Key Scripture References
James 5:14
Acts 8:17
Mark 10:16
Mark 16:18
1 Timothy 4:14
Acts 13:3
Ephesians 4:3
2 Timothy 1:6
Acts 6:6