The laying on of hands is a powerful biblical practice used in many contexts, from imparting blessings to healing the sick and commissioning people for ministry. When I first participated in this practice, it was during a deliverance service, and I vividly remember the spiritual impact it had—not just for those receiving, but for those laying hands as well. It’s an intimate moment of prayer where the power of God flows through one person to another, activating healing, anointing, or empowerment. This practice, however, requires preparation through prayer and should always be done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
If you’re preparing to engage in the laying on of hands, whether for healing, blessing, impartation of the Holy Spirit, or commissioning, it’s crucial to cover yourself in prayer. Below, I’ll walk you through different prayers for various purposes when laying hands, along with some key biblical foundations.
What is the Laying on of Hands?
The laying on of hands is a symbolic and spiritual act used in:
- Impartation of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17)
- Healing the sick (Mark 16:18, James 5:14)
- Blessing and commissioning (Acts 13:3, Numbers 27:18-23)
- Ordination into ministry (1 Timothy 4:14)
When done with faith and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this practice serves as a channel for God’s grace and power.
Prayers for Laying on of Hands
1. Prayer Before Laying on of Hands (Preparation Prayer)
It’s important to prepare spiritually before laying hands on someone. This prayer ensures that you are spiritually covered, and it asks for the Holy Spirit to work through you.
“Heavenly Father, I come before You humbly, asking for Your divine presence as I prepare to lay hands. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and make me a vessel fit for Your use. I pray for Your anointing to flow through me as I lay hands in faith. Let the power of the Holy Spirit be upon me and the person I am praying for. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions according to Your will, in Jesus’ name.”
2. Prayer for Healing (When Laying Hands on the Sick)
The Bible encourages believers to lay hands on the sick, trusting that healing will come through the power of Christ. Use this prayer when praying for someone’s healing:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I lay my hands upon [name], standing on Your Word that says we shall lay hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mark 16:18). I ask for Your healing power to flow through me right now. I rebuke every sickness, disease, and affliction in their body, and I command it to leave in the name of Jesus. I declare healing, wholeness, and restoration over their body, soul, and spirit. By the stripes of Jesus, [name] is healed. Amen.”
3. Prayer for Impartation of the Holy Spirit
This prayer is used when you’re laying hands on someone to receive the Holy Spirit, whether for the first time or for a fresh infilling of His power.
“Heavenly Father, I lay my hands upon [name] according to Your Word. Just as the apostles laid hands, and the Holy Spirit came upon the believers (Acts 8:17), I pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon [name]. Fill them, Lord, with Your power, wisdom, and discernment. Let them experience the fullness of Your Spirit in a new way, empowering them for service and drawing them closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
4. Prayer for Blessing (Laying Hands for Blessing or Protection)
You might be asked to lay hands on someone to bless them, whether it’s for personal growth, protection, or encouragement. This prayer seeks to impart God’s favor and protection:
“Lord, I lay my hands upon [name] and ask for Your abundant blessings over their life. May Your hand of protection cover them, and may Your face shine upon them. I declare favor, peace, and prosperity in all they do. Let Your Spirit guide their steps, and may they walk in the fullness of Your will. Bless them in their coming and going, and let Your angels guard them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
5. Prayer for Commissioning or Ordination
When someone is being commissioned into ministry or for a special task, the laying on of hands is an act of anointing them for that purpose. This prayer seeks to empower them for the calling God has placed on their life.
“Heavenly Father, as I lay hands on [name], I commit them into Your hands for the work You have called them to. I pray for Your anointing to rest heavily upon them, giving them strength, wisdom, and endurance for the task ahead. Just as You empowered the apostles through the laying on of hands, I ask for a divine impartation of boldness, faith, and supernatural gifts. May Your Spirit guide them in every decision and action they take in this new season. In the name of Jesus, I declare them ready and equipped for Your service. Amen.”
6. Prayer for Deliverance (When Laying Hands for Spiritual Freedom)
If you are laying hands on someone to help them receive deliverance from spiritual bondage, this prayer asks for God’s power to break strongholds and set them free.
“In the name of Jesus, I lay my hands upon [name], and I take authority over every demonic power or spirit of oppression. By the blood of Jesus, I break every chain, every curse, and every demonic influence that is holding [name] in bondage. I command every spirit of darkness to leave and never return. Holy Spirit, fill [name] with Your presence, peace, and freedom. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.”
7. Prayer for Anointing with Oil
If you are combining the laying on of hands with anointing oil, as James 5:14 suggests for healing and blessing, use this prayer:
“Father, as I anoint [name] with oil and lay my hands upon them, I declare Your healing, Your favor, and Your blessing upon their life. Let this oil represent the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon them. Let every burden be lifted and every yoke broken by the anointing, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Key Scriptures for Laying on of Hands
Here are some scriptures that support and empower the practice of laying on of hands. You can read or meditate on these verses before or during your prayer time:
- Mark 16:17-18 – “They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
- Acts 8:17 – “Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
- 1 Timothy 4:14 – “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
- James 5:14-15 – “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Final Thoughts
The laying on of hands is a sacred act, and it should always be done with reverence and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As you prepare for this, remember that it’s not your power but God’s power working through you. Whether it’s for healing, impartation of the Holy Spirit, or blessing, your prayers open the door for God’s grace and anointing to flow.
Always pray in faith, knowing that God is faithful to hear and respond to His people!