Laying on Hands (Part 1)

There is something people do that is unique among the animal kingdoms. We seek and offer a physical connection to one another under many circumstances.

Whenever someone is hurting people gather around them to hold their hand or hug them. It provides comfort and strength to those who are suffering. Likewise, when someone has cause for joy, people may hug, back-slap, shake hands, and so on, in celebration.

This physical contact gives a connection from one person to another.

It is the same in the Lord. The laying on of hands offers a connection between brothers and sisters in the Lord, but even more, with Christ. There is great value and power in the connection provided by laying on hands in the Lord.

There are many instances in the Bible when laying on hands is used. They include: 

• To receive the Holy Spirit 
• To heal the sick 
• To appoint people to ministry 
• To present children to the Lord 
• To just pray for and with people

All of these have their place, and all are important. The Lord has appointed church Elders to anoint with oil and lay hands on the sick so that they may recover.

Paul and Barnabas had hands laid upon them when they were appointed to the ministry as Apostles and sent out to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Jesus laid His hands upon children to bless them, saying to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

Perhaps the most significant reason for laying on of hands is to receive the Holy Spirit with the spiritual gifts. This is where we see it used frequently in the New Testament, and I will look at that use for laying on hands in more detail in the next lesson.

Consider these questions: 

• Do you or your church exercise laying on hands in accordance with the scriptures? 
• Do you realize the Elders of the church have the authority to effect healing through laying on hands with anointing with oil? 
• Does your church lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit in accordance with the scriptures?

A prayer point:

Seek the Lord to find out more about the ministry of laying on hands, especially as it pertains to the points above.