Imposition of hands, better known as the lay of hands, is a ceremonial act in which a religious functionary, such as a priest or pastor, places hands palms down on the top of another person’s head while saying a prayer or blessing. This was first practiced in Judaism and was adopted by Christianity. The Hebrew Bible is associated with three interrelated ideas: sanctification, transmitting a godly gift, and identifying a person’s sacrifice. In Christianity, the laying of hands is both a symbolic and proper method of invoking the Holy Spirit, usually during the ordination of church officers, priests, deacons, healing services, baptisms and confirmations, healing services, a variety of other church sacraments, and holy ceremonies. In the New Testament, Jesus laid hands on people who were blind and leapers to heal them. Jesus used the laying of hands to deliver the Holy Spirit after his ascension.
In Luke 4:40, the laying on of hands was associated with Christ healing the sick and, after his ascension, in Acts 8, delivering the Holy Spirit. In the beginning, the Apostles laid hands on new believers and believers. This practice has been used from the early beginning with Jesus. It has continued in many ceremonies until the present day. Moses laid hands on Joshua in Numbers 27:22-23 stating, ” And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar, the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.” Later in Deuteronomy 34 we are told that Joshua is full of the holy spirit as a result of Moses having laid hands upon him. Deuteronomy 34 goes on to say “all the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. We are told that Joshua was “filled with the spirit of wisdom.”
The laying of hands is not always good in the Old Testament. In Genesis 22, God told Abraham not to lay hands on his son. In Exodus, Moses tells Egypt not to lay a hand on the Israelites. Leviticus 24 speaks to God’s demand for justice: “Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.” Leviticus also describes how certain priests are appointed to prepare (Lay Hands) the sacrifice to ceremonially place God’s righteousness on the animal. This keeps the sinful people from being involved in the actual sacrifice. Only the high priest can touch the sacrifice on specific holidays like the Day of Atonement. Later in the New Testament, the negative lay of hand happens when the guards actually lay hands on Jesus during his arrest. Luke 20:19 states, “The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.” So, not all laying of hands is something we would want to participate in.
There are always skeptics who do not believe in religion or anything that is not mainstream and scientific. However, in recent years, science has started proving religion is based on truth. There have been many archeological discoveries proving the Bible story to be true. The medical and psychological communities are beginning to confirm what truly religious believers have known for years. In several studies, the Bible has been accepted. “Laying on of hands with Spiritual connection by Spiritist “Passe” appears to be effective in increasing cardiac vagal activity and regulation of immune responses of employees in a public hospital with stress/anxiety.” (el, 2020) Prayer is being recognized as having power. “Prayer also has a scientific component. It increases psychological perspective, which improves the emotional management of personal problems. A top neurosurgeon shared his story. Before he starts brain surgery on a patient, he first acknowledges his limited knowledge as a human being. He asks for a higher power to guide him to a successful surgery.” (Agbanyim, 2023) The laying of hands is being accepted as having power in how people react to touch.
“One of the ways that people physically expressed a spiritual connection that has lasted for centuries is the laying on of hands. It is when a person or people put their hands on another person or group of people as part of a blessing or a prayer. While the Bible does not give rules and regulations for when Christians should do this action, it can be understood through context and statements made in the New Testament. Understanding this important gesture can create closer church bonds among believers, strengthening an individual’s relationship with the Holy Spirit.” (Verrett, 2022) “The research shows, however, that touching is good: Symptoms are relieved. Touching is an easy medication to administer: Friends, family, and hospice volunteers can make a difference through touch.” (Borigini, 2008) As times change and we see what appears to be evil winning, we should remember that God is and will be in control.
Agbanyim, J. I. (2023, 9 15). Taking Another Look at Prayer. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/humanizing-the-world-of-work/202309/taking-another-look-at-prayer#:~:text=Prayer%20still%20remains%20a%20phenomenon,emotional%20management%20of%20personal%20problems.
Borigini, M. (2008, 9 29). The Laying on of Hands Makes a Comeback. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-pain/200809/the-laying-hands-makes-comeback.
El, É. M. (2020, 6 20). Effects of the laying on of hands on anxiety, stress and autonomic response of employees in a hospital: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32951725/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Laying%20on%20of%20hands,public%20hospital%20with%20stress%2Fanxiety.
Verrett, B. (2022, 8 31). Why Is the Laying on of Hands So Significant? Retrieved from Bible Study Tools: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-is-the-laying-on-of-hands-so-significant.html