Laying on of hands...

Hi all...My wife and I lead a Chist Centered Addiction Recovery group at our Church. It has been blessed by God, and we have some mighty testimonies of deliverance by His power.My question is this. (need your opinion)At the end of each class, I call people forward for prayer. Prayer is one of the keys to success in our Ministry. We are Spirit Filled believers, so laying on of hands is nothing strange.I call people forward and say that "my wife and i will pray for you."the problem ( or is it?) is that you usually end up with quite a few people at the altar and some of these are also laying hands on people while praying. They all seem to mean well. But I've had a couple of people express that they don't want somebody laying hands on them that might not have the victory in their life.I have mixed feelings about it.In one respect, I feel like God's power protects us and others from this.On the other hand, I don't want some guy who smokes weed laying hands on some other guy who is trying to be set free from the same thing.Any thoughts, suggestions?Thanks to everyone and God Bless.

this a tough question as i believe on laying of hands, I will tell you of my experience of praying and laying on hands on someone whom I was praying for.......... I use to meet with a friend for prayers she was in need, so i would pray for her, shortly I began to desire and crave unmentionable sins......not knowing that by laying on my hands that there would be a transfer of that which was hidden in her heart, after having struggled with it , I asked her if she was perhaps having or experienceing problems in this aera of sin and she looked at me like How did you know? If i had not been a seasoned christian I would of partaken in such sin but recognizing, that this is where i was to interceed for her i quckily layed her burdens down at the feet of jesus, and stood in the gap and prayed. There is power in laying of hands, I would not want just anyone laying hands on me.....I would not lay hands on anybody else unless i myself have a solid grounding in praying and knowing what i'am in for. I hope this makes sense to you it is hard to explain, for i have never heard of teachings on this but from what i have experinced for myself. Michelle

Jam 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Jam 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:In verse 14 it reads as though the sick person is to call for elders to pray for him or her. Are elders just people who have been in the Lord a long time? Are these elders spoken of people who have demonstrated the gift of healing that is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12:9? Here it doesn't mention the laying on of hands, though with the anointing of oil one could think it's implied.Most Christians are willing to pray for others or anoint others but maybe a sick person should intentionally seek people that are elders or there are gifts of healing evident in the person that is doing the praying.In Christ,GaryE

well, keep in mind, that some of the people in my group are not saved...of course, these people do not make a habit of laying on of hands and praying ;-)As the leader of this group, I know what most of ones that attend are struggling with.I know one guy in particular, who comes to Church, weeps at the altar, and really trys to serve God. But he struggles with a pot addiction from time to time. (not an everyday thing)In our class, sometimes he will pray with someone, very genuine. very heart-felt. But, in my mind, sometimes I wonder if he should be doing that?I'm not judging him, I just want to be a good leader. Plus, I don't want to hurt his feelings or hinder is walk with the Lord.Keep me in your prayers, the group is growing. Peoples lives are changing by the power of God!Chains and shackles are falling off!Thank you Lord!

Chains and shackles are falling off!Praise the Lord!

Sentry,First of all I think your ministry sounds great. What a wonderful thing to help people with. It's great to hear that God is using you to set people free.I think what you describe is a problem. Clearly there is great power in the laying on of hands. Although this power does seem somewhat mysterious, one thing that seems clear is that transferance (in some degree/measure/form) takes place. I would not want anyone laying their hands on me that I didn't trust. Sometimes at my Church they call for a ministry time at the altar. Sometimes people come up and pray for you, often laying on hands. I can be very confident and trusting in this situation because I feel sure the leadership is watching and they know who they allow to minister in this setting and who they don't. I am aware of a group of people who have been approved to be a part of the "ministry team" at the church and these are the only ones laying hands on people. But there does come a point where I just have to sit back and trust the leadership of my church and trust God. It seems clear that some type of authority structure is best in this kind of situation. If you and your wife are the leaders, I think a good idea would be for you to take aside some people who you feel are at a place in their walk where it would be appropriate and safe for them to be laying their hands on others in prayer. Again, it seems you come to the place where you must trust God in choosing these people. Once this group is formed, make it a rule that only these people are to lay their hands on others in prayer. Of course the group could be adjusted and become larger or smaller over time. If you and your wife are the only ones who are in victory in the group, or the only ones who you feel are at a place to be laying hands on others, then I think it's best that only you and your wife lay your hands on others there.I agree that there is a principle of God's power protecting us, but isn't this a mysterious area? Can Christians ever be decieved? Well then it seems while God's power does protect us, it might not always be a complete protection, right? Ahhh, the mystery of free will.So, since this principle of God's protection does seem mysterious, it seems proper that we pray about and establish certain structures that would facilitate a safe environment for those we are desiring to help. My opinion.

Judas was sent out to lay hands on the sick with the other apostles, and he was likely of questionable character even then.

Grace, peace, and love be multiplied: The laying on of hands is one of the practices commanded in the Holy Scriptures. We should lay hands on the sick and pray the prayer of faith, and the Lord will raise them up and if they have committed any sin, it shall be forgiven. One thing more I will say in brief concerning the laying on of hands; if a person has hands laid on them by a REAL man of God who prays for them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and they are set free from whatever, unless they are taught to look to the finished work of the cross (not only for salvation, and justification) but for SANCTIFACATION, they will more than likely go back into bondage. Whom the Son sets free he is free indeed. We need to be set free, and learn how to stay free. These people spend their lives going from preacher to preacher; from church to church always living their lives looking for someone, anyone who could lay hands on them one more time. This is not victory in Jesus.

I agree with Todd.My friend, God is revealing to you the importance of the laying on of hands, is for those that have been given the all clear by you the leader. It is a case of appointing people to minister to others.It is very important that you are able to see that the persons are in the right place with God.It has been known that someone who may not have been cleared of something that they may have opened themselves up to, of the nature of darkness, can cause damage to the person who trusts them for laying on of hands.As at this time both spirits are open.It is like me trusting a psychologist with my whole being as he hypnotises me. I would then be totally open to him and not God. My spirit would be open to suggestion and the influence of his spirit could be really bad. Etc. I would be separated from God.People must be given the authority by the Leader and know they have a position to do this.We can of course pray for each other but those who have been delegated to do so can use hands.Sometimes in the past if I have been going through a bad time and have been feeling anger etc.I have abstained from hands on and stood behind others and joined in with prayer as we have prayed for someone.I have always believed this, hands on is a channel for the Holy Spirit.Someone recently said could they pray for me, I said yes as she has a wonderful heart. But she also pulls her hair out. She put her hand on my shoulder and prayed. I looked to God for his covering while this was happening because it disturbed me. She has kindly asked me since and I have said no its ok thanks. Which in actual fact I had not intended asking anyone, for personal prayer anyway. I like to talk to her and give her time. But prayer will have stop. We do pray privately for one another and I value her love and care and her prayers.May God lead you as you seek his will and may he fill you with all knowledge and how to interpret this to your people.May God bless your Ministry that is so important in the world to day. Amenellie

by KingJimmy on 2005/7/15 23:54:43Quote: Judas was sent out to lay hands on the sick with the other apostles, and he was likely of questionable character even then.Jesus sent him, he trusted him to do as he had been asked.Jesus had the authority and would know what was in his heart, at that time.ellie

I've heard people say that they won't let people lay hands on them in prayer if they don't know them. There is the idea that a spirit can be transferred by this. Also, there is someone I know that doesn't want just anyone to pray for them. This person thinks that a prayer in Jesus name will be answered just because it's asked in Jesus name. This person thinks that people can pray against other people and hinder a ministry. All I can see in the Word tells me that I am protected by the blood and these things can't happen as long as I'm walking with the Lord. Can anyone think of a scripture that might verify these opposite opinions?In Christ,GaryE

Quote: All I can see in the Word tells me that I am protected by the blood and these things can't happen as long as I'm walking with the Lord. Yes for you if that is so but you cannot rely on others to be walking on the narrow path that you indicate.Here is an example, which will happen more and more.We had not many years ago meetings taking place in the North of the country, as the Spirit moved in this country.All kinds of people attended including people in darkness, witchcraft etc. pretending to be part of the people but perpetrating there own darkness within the meeting, all kinds of things were happening. This can cause those who may not have been delivered of sin or have forgotten that they touched darkness in their younger lives and can awaken things. This is also going to happen in the future as well as happening now. When laying on hands takes place, it is imperative that the persons are clear with God.I have had wickedness perpetrated toward me by not nice people in the past and it had an affect on me that is why I know it had been done toward me.Prayer was asked for and I prayed against it myself. These things are all real I tell you that it is an on going thing coming against fresh darkness. But what happened to me did not mean that I was not walking a narrow path or failing in my faith it simply meant, I was under attack.We are all subject to attack and the enemy can seep through a person, when laying on of hands.'Jesus trusted no one for he knew what was in them.'This is why educated preachers, elders are in the position that they hold, because of their walk with God. There has to be a form of order everything has to be done in an orderly manner.I rely on God alone. If anyone helps me they usually are on a good path with God, but I rely on God to show me who to talk to.May the Lord Bless you and impart much wisdom to you, for you in the future for the privileged position he may lead you into. Amenellie

Laying on of hands is a dangerous thing, but even without laying on of hands, curses can be sent through the air.I once was worshipping at church and I kept getting irrated by this man behind me. I glanced behind me and he kept fanning my friend sitting next to me. For some reason it was bothering my spirit and I started fanning behind me. Eventually the man left where he was and moved over a few seats. Then immediatly I noticed him fanning my other friend!I saw that he was appointed by Satan to curse him.I talked to my friend and he said as soon as the man started fanning him, his neck started hurting terribly.I finally was led to take the man outside and pray for him. He definitly was under the control of the evil one. Thank God he repented outside and came back to his senses.Again, I belief it is important to have people around to discern these things.

Ge 37:22 - Show ContextAnd Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.Le 4:15 - Show ContextAnd the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.I have had good and bad experiences of laying on of hands and normally the lord is the one who knows best!!Le 16:21 - Show ContextAnd Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:Le 24:14 - Show ContextBring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.Nu 8:12 - Show ContextAnd the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.2Ki 4:34 - Show ContextAnd he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.Ne 13:21 - Show ContextThen I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.Es 3:6 - Show ContextAnd he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.Job 17:3 - Show ContextLay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?Mt 21:46 - Show ContextBut when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.Mr 5:23 - Show ContextAnd besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.Mr 16:18 - Show ContextThey shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.Lu 20:19 - Show ContextAnd the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.Lu 21:12 - Show ContextBut before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.Ac 8:19 - Show ContextSaying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.Ac 28:8 - Show ContextAnd it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.1Ti 5:22 - Show ContextLay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Thanks for all the responses...It appears that some of us have differnt opinions regarding the laying on off hands by un-believers or people that are not walking in victory.I tend to agree with all the posts to some degree or another.Which tells me to use discernment, and pray for wisdom.I usually call people forward for prayer, explaing to them that My Wife and I will pray for them.Sometimes, not all the time, while praying with someone, others may gather around and pray also. During this, some of these may reach forward and lay a hand on the person for whom we are praying.A few times, I felt like this might not be a good idea, but did not just want to grab the guy's arm and pull him away.I want to be very sensitve to this situation, yet I want to be right.I will continue to pray for guidance and I respect and thank you for your responses. Keep me in your prayers...our Ministry is growing more and more each week.Our city, like so many others around the world, is enslaved in drug and alcohol abuse.These are not just "street people" or "homeless".But Middle income families, that have jobs, (at least for now).Some of these are families that go to church. My heart burns for these people.I have a vision for my city...I guess I'm just stupid enough to simply believe God's power is the only solution to the drug and alcohol problem. I believe that Demonic strongholds are here...and I'm praying and believing for these strongholds to be broken.Praise God!