Question of the Day

When Kenneth and Gloria started their journey of faith they had questions too—lots of them! So, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions by people like you—people who earnestly desire to find God's answers to the practical, real-life challenges of everyday living. We have a new question every day, so check back often!

What is “laying on of hands”?
What is “laying on of hands”?
Add to Favorites

The laying on of hands is when a believer places hands on another person to release the power of God for one of three purposes.

  1. To separate an individual for a special work. “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:2-3, NKJV; also see Acts 6:6) This includes placing someone in a leadership role, most often in the fivefold ministry (Ephesians 4:11; Romans 12:3-8).
     
  2. To receive the Holy Spirit. “Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17, NKJV). When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:6).
     
  3. To minister healing. In Mark 16:17-19, it says, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” In James 5:14-15 we are instructed to seek the laying on of hands for healing: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (KJV). 

    When praying for the sick, remember you are not the healer. You are only using your hands as a point of contact to release your faith. The person receiving is likewise doing the same. It is what Jesus already accomplished on the cross that brings healing.

For more on the laying on of hands, we recommend Smith Wigglesworth’s The Apostle of Faith and Kenneth Hagin’s Healing Belongs to All, which go into greater detail about the ministry of laying on of hands.