Dictionary term
Laying on of Hands
Direct answer
Laying on of Hands is a biblical and Christian gesture used in blessing, prayer, healing, commissioning, ordination, and identification.
Laying on of Hands is embodied prayer for blessing, healing, commissioning, or care.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Blessings & Christian Protection
- Also appears in
- Blessings & Christian Protection
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Laying on of Hands when explaining prayer for the sick, ordination, commissioning, blessing children, and pastoral support.
- Do not use it for
- Do not use laying on of hands without consent or as a performance of spiritual power.
- Reference category
- Blessings & Christian Protection
- Related terms
- Blessing, Name of Jesus, Blood of Jesus, Armor of God
The story behind Laying on of Hands
Church traditions use laying on of hands in confirmation, ordination, healing prayer, blessing, and pastoral ministry.
Laying on of Hands in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, Laying on of Hands asks whether touch is serving love, blessing, and accountability.
The Great Almanac frames Laying on of Hands with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Laying on of Hands in the Bible
The Bible shows hands laid on people for blessing, sacrifice identification, healing, receiving the Spirit, and ministry commissioning.
Why Laying on of Hands matters
Laying on of Hands matters because Christian prayer is not only mental; it can involve embodied, accountable, reverent care.
Example in a reading: A page can say laying hands in prayer should be consent-based, gentle, public enough for accountability, and never coercive.
Interpretive caution: Do not use laying on of hands without consent or as a performance of spiritual power.
How Laying on of Hands is used in a reading
Use Laying on of Hands when explaining prayer for the sick, ordination, commissioning, blessing children, and pastoral support.
Where interpretation stops
Information on Laying on of Hands is presented strictly for educational, historical, and devotional purposes. Complex or sensitive spiritual topics are approached with absolute calm and balance, avoiding any ritual instructions, superstitions, or exaggerated claims. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or safety concerns related to these themes, we warmly encourage seeking support from trusted local pastoral, clinical, or counseling resources to ensure your well-being.
Safety note
Sources and editorial method
This concise reference separates established definitions from historical, symbolic, or interpretive claims. Entries without external references are presented as editorial summaries rather than primary-source scholarship.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Personalized next step
See how Laying on of Hands connects to your own birth chart, numerology, spiritual timing, and personal almanac.
Cast your natal chartRelated terms
These related entries help place Laying on of Hands inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
