Laying on of Hands

Years ago while working for Billy Graham’s film ministry, our department started the week with a chapel service. Initially, any employee could sign up to preach a twenty minute message. One Monday morning, I taught on healing. At the end, I asked those who needed healing to raise their hands. Then I instructed those who sat next to them to lay hands on that person. I’d seen that done before in various churches. 

The next day one of my coworkers approached me and said my message “offended” some people’s religious beliefs. I suspect he was the one offended. No one else complained to me. However, our chapel services soon changed. Only supervisors were allowed to give the message. I wasn’t one of them.

Laying hands on people shouldn’t offend believers who know what the word of God says. It’s part of the Great Commission. Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I’ve since seen this happen numerous times when doing street ministry.

Laying on of hands is mentioned in other parts of the Bible…

“And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” - Acts 9:17

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” - 1 Timothy 4:14

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” - 2 Timothy 1:6

“of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” - Hebrews 6:2

Some Christians despise pastors instructing the congregation not to lay hands on each other unless instructed to do so. I agree with their disapproval if the minister’s motive is to be the center of attention. A good pastor will train and delegate leaders in his church to minister healing and deliverance. In a large gathering, a minister could get tired after laying hands on multitudes of people. Nevertheless, I honor house rules. I’ve attended revival meetings where witches came in and tried transferring unclean spirits upon others. 

Once while temporarily living in Toronto, another man suddenly put his hand on my forehead to give me an impartation. I perceived something was off with his man and noticed strange things happen during the next couple of days. Another time I attended a gathering of soul winners at a friend’s house. A woman who had been part of our church’s evangelism ministry showed up drunk on alcohol and kept wanting to lay hands on us. We prevented her from doing so.

Let’s make use of the power available through laying on of hands. At the same time, don’t let anyone do that to you unless they ask first. You don’t know where some peoples’ hands have been. Also, if you want to lay hands on individuals who need healing, be sure you get their permission first. Otherwise, they might “lay hands” on you, and then you will need healing.

“Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.” - 1 Timothy 5:22