Pentecostals believe in the practice of “laying on of hands” as a means of experiencing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Laying on of hands is rooted in biblical accounts and has been a notable practice throughout Christian history. Here’s an overview of this Pentecostal ritual and why it remains an important part of their worship.
What is the laying on of hands?
The laying on of hands is a ritual act of placing one’s hands on another person during prayer. This is often done by clergy or church leaders praying for an individual’s healing, blessing, ordination, receiving of the Holy Spirit, or other spiritual need.
In the Pentecostal tradition, the laying on of hands is most closely associated with:
- Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Pentecostals believe baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers with spiritual gifts. The laying on of hands helps facilitate this experience.
- Divine healing – Physical healing through the power of the Holy Spirit is a key belief within Pentecostalism. The laying on of hands allows the Holy Spirit to impart healing.
- Ordination – Hands are laid on those being ordained into Pentecostal ministry roles.
What does the Bible say about laying on of hands?
There are several biblical references to the laying on of hands:
- In the Old Testament, hands were laid on sacrifices and on individuals during important ceremonies or blessings (Leviticus 1:4, Deuteronomy 34:9)
- In the New Testament, Jesus practiced laying hands on the sick for healing (Mark 6:5, Luke 4:40)
- The apostles laid hands on believers for them to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17, 19:6)
- Paul instructed Timothy not to lay hands on anyone too hastily for ordination (1 Timothy 5:22)
- Laying on of hands is mentioned in Hebrews 6:2 as one of the foundational doctrines and practices of the early church
These biblical references establish precedent for Pentecostals today to continue the practice of laying on hands.
Why do Pentecostals lay hands during prayer?
Pentecostals emphasize direct touch through the laying on of hands because they believe:
- It allows for a tangible, physical connection as the Holy Spirit’s power is imparted
- The human touch enhances the faith and expectancy of the recipient
- It represents the biblical pattern practiced by Jesus and the apostles
- It opens a channel for God’s healing power and anointing to flow into an individual
Additionally, the body is viewed as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Touching through the laying on of hands invites the Spirit’s presence into both the giver and receiver.
When do Pentecostals practice laying on hands?
Some of the common practices in Pentecostal churches involving the laying on of hands include:
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Pentecostals believe every Christian should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit after conversion. Hands are laid on those seeking this experience so they will receive spiritual empowerment for ministry. Signs like speaking in tongues will follow.
Divine Healing
Pentecostals lay hands on the sick and pray for bodily healing through the power of the Holy Spirit. This practice comes from instructions in James 5:14 and the example of Jesus’ healing miracles.
Ordination & Commissioning
The ceremony to ordain individuals into Pentecostal ministry involves existing leaders laying hands on the candidate to confer appointment and authority for their role. Hands can also be laid to commission ministries.
Imparting Spiritual Gifts
The laying on of hands can be accompanied by prophetic utterances about one’s spiritual gifts and calling. This imparts confirmation, activation, and empowerment of their gifting.
Prayer & Blessing
Hands are commonly laid on individuals for general prayer needs, life decisions, blessings, and other requests. This invites the Holy Spirit’s guidance and intervention.
How do Pentecostals actually practice the laying on of hands?
In Pentecostal church services and events, here are some things to expect during times of laying on hands:
- It often occurs in group settings like the altar area, with teams of pastors/leaders available to pray
- Recipients come forward voluntarily at the given time during worship
- Those praying lay one or both hands on the person’s head or shoulders
- Touch may be very brief or extended with passionate, louder prayer
- There can be anointing with oil, prophecy, and spiritual gifts like tongues/interpretation
- Music supports the spiritual atmosphere and worship continues simultaneously
- The congregation often lays hands on each other after receiving prayer
There are no strict rules, but careful practice with pure motives is encouraged. Sensitivity, wisdom, and order are important when laying hands.
Why are Pentecostals distinguished by this practice?
What distinguishes Pentecostal laying on of hands is:
- Frequency – It occurs regularly and is integrated across church life.
- Spontaneity – It may happen suddenly, inspired by faith at any given moment.
- Enthusiasm – Prayer is often passionate, loud, and accompanied by spiritual gifts.
- Accessibility – Lay leaders and the entire congregation participate.
- Expectancy – Anticipation that tangible spiritual power will be transmitted.
This mix of frequent, informal, spirited practice with an anticipation of God’s touch explains why laying on hands is so central to Pentecostal identity. The practice confirms and reenforces their pneumatology and spiritual empowerment.
What are the benefits Pentecostals attribute to laying on hands?
Pentecostals teach the laying on of hands has these key benefits:
Strengthened faith
Receiving prayer by touch builds faith in God’s willingness and ability to impart blessings. answered prayers then encourage ongoing faith.
Spiritual empowerment
Pentecostals believe the Holy Spirit’s anointing and spiritual gifts are activated via laying on hands. This empowers them for ministry service.
Healing
Physical and inner healing can result from laying hands on the sick or demonized. Testamentimonies of healing encourage the practice.
Deepened relationships
The vulnerability of receiving hands on prayer forges a bond between the church community. Unity is strengthened.
Ordination & commissioning
Laying hands ordains leaders and commissions ministries in a way accepted as valid and authorized within Pentecostal networks.
Encountering the Holy Spirit
Pentecostals teach the tangible connection of laying hands helps facilitate a real spiritual encounter for both giver and receiver.
Are there any concerns about the laying on of hands?
While Pentecostals wholeheartedly endorse laying hands on prayer, some concerns occasionally raised include:
- Physical touch can make some people uncomfortable, particularly across gender lines
- Touch combined with emotive prayer could manipulate others
- Seeking touch itself instead of focus on Jesus can become a distraction
- Healing claims should be verified to avoid false impressions
- Ordination of unqualified leaders through nepotism instead of discernment
These concerns illustrate the importance of wisdom and integrity in how laying on hands is practiced. It’s vital touch remains an instrument for ministry, not become an end in itself.
Conclusion
Laying hands on prayer remains a distinct practice within Pentecostalism because it aligns with their history and beliefs. The regular, informal, expressive, and accessible use of touch facilitates encounters with God’s power to bless, heal, and spiritually empower people. When carried out with discernment and pure motives, Pentecostals believe laying on hands allows others to tangibly receive divine grace. This explains why the ritual continues to be a hallmark of Pentecostal worship today.