In Lutheran worship, laying hands on the head of a worshiper is a gesture that has come to be connected with the ministries of healing, absolving and blessing. Human beings instinctively lay a gentle hand on one another to convey love, care and compassion.
This gesture of touch is evident in healing stories in the four Gospels. We read of Jesus reaching out his hand, gently touching those in need as he healed them. Jesus blessed the children by the laying on of hands (Matthew 19:15).
Within the worship service, the physical gesture of the laying on of hands can be a powerful moment of connection with the love, care and compassion of God.
The laying on of hands is a significant physical gesture of blessing that recalls the promises of baptism. In the ELCA baptismal rite, the prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the pastor laying both hands on the head of the newly baptized, and is an acknowledgment and expression of the bestowing of the Holy Spirit through Baptism in water with the word of God. This action is recalled in the rites of affirmation of baptism and ordination.
Worshipers who receive the laying on of hands during absolution in the order of confession or during prayers for healing are also tangibly reminded of these baptismal promises.
The laying on of hands is not restricted to the worshiping assembly. In pastoral care situations, the laying on of a hand with prayer may be part of a visit to someone who is sick, or it may be included when the Sacrament of Holy Communion is brought from the assembly to one who is ailing.
An order for healing can be found on page 276 in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, or in the Ministry in Sickness and Health section of Evangelical Lutheran Worship Pastoral Care.
The laying on of hands is a powerful gesture of blessing that may be appropriate in a variety of circumstances. Groups or individuals may be blessed by touch when sent out into the world in mission work. A community of faith may surround a person in need of support with prayer and a touch to the head or shoulder. In this action, God’s love and the prayers are embodied by the community of faith.
Worship leaders must use care in any ministry that involves touch, including the laying on of hands. Be mindful of personal boundaries and an individual’s comfort level. Make sure that the physical gesture is appropriate, has a clear intent and is welcomed.
This is a very powerful service- however, how would this be used in a usual Sunday confession and forgiveness form?
I always believed that Laying-on-of-Hands was for real blessings, absolution, and healing. Healing such as how Jesus healed, and the Apostles and Disciples after Him. The way in which this topic here is worded makes it sound like the Laying-on-of-Hands is merely a gesture, much like making the sign of the Cross, or like a formal hand shake. Laying-on-of-Hands is a real and active Gift of the Holy Spirit, a gift that is as powerful today as when the Apostles used the Gift. It is a Gift that is given by the Holy Spirit to whomever the Holy Spirit chooses. A lay-person of great faith that is blessed with this Gift can heal people, just as before. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Gifts to be used in ministry, not just by Ordained Ministers or Pastors, but also by Lay-Ministers. When the Church excludes the Disciples of Christ, all called to be Lay-Ministers, from participation in the WHOLE ministry of the Church the Church withers. Promoting, encouraging, sharing, and guiding the Laity in proper use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit can restore the Church. The Holy Spirit's Gifts are not just a gesture they are REAL and ALIVE! I pray the Bishop stand up and claim them!