LAYING ON OF HANDS

Fr Jordi Rivero

Laying of hand in the context of prayer is found throughout the bible. It signifies the communication of grace.

…I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:6-7)

 It is used in the celebratio of some sacraments (Confirmation, Ordination, Anointing of the Sick, at Consecration). These can only be performed by a priest or bishop.  But laying of hands can be done in the context of other prayers that can be done by the laity.

All the baptized can and should pray. One way to pray for others is by lay hands on them. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and the proper use of hands is a way of communicating and expressing love.

These signs will accompany those who believe...They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Mark 16:17-18.