Sunday
Laying On of Hands

Acts 13:2-3 ESV
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,  “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

The Holy Spirit spoke; obviously someone was a vessel for the Holy Spirit to speak, and I like the fact that a name was not mentioned of who that person was. The most important factor in this passage is, what the Spirit said.

There is a progression in the sanctioning of this anointing and setting forth of Paul and Barnabas; they fasted, they went without food or wine, and took that time to pray. Then when it was time, the elders laid their hands on Paul and Barnabas and prayed for them.

In a commissioning, such as in this story, the laying on of hands signifies an anointing, and an invoking of the Holy Spirit over the work to be done. Laying on of hands in such a time as this, means that they are standing with them. They were standing beside them praying for them earnestly going with them in Spirit.

Anytime we lay our hands on anyone to pray for them, it’s not just symbolic, it means we’re standing in the gap for them. It means we are going to pray for them until the answer comes or the healing or restoration comes.

Prayer:
Lord, as I pray and lay my hands on someone for healing, restoration, or commissioning, let me know the seriousness of my actions in standing with that individual until the answer comes.