The laying on of hands is a religious ritual that accompanies certain religious practices, which are found throughout the world in varying forms.
In Christian churches, this practice is used as both a symbolic and formal method of invoking the Holy Spirit primarily during baptisms and confirmations, healing services, blessings, and ordination of priests, ministers, elders, deacons, and other church officers, along with a variety of other church sacraments and holy ceremonies.
Read more about Laying On Of Hands: Jewish Tradition, Christian Traditions, State Use, Criticism
Famous quotes containing the words laying on of, laying and/or hands:
“Silence is the general consecration of the universe. Silence is the invisible laying on of the Divine Pontiff’s hands upon the world. Silence is at once the most harmless and the most awful thing in all nature. It speaks of the Reserved Forces of Fate. Silence is the only Voice of our God.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“So, laying his cheek against the dresser’s wooden one,
He died making up stories, the ones
Not every child wanted to listen to.”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)
“Language was vigorous because, because ... editors usually “laid all the cards on the table so as to leave their hands ... free for more persuasive arguments!” The citizenry at large retaliated as best they could.”
—State of Utah, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)