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Hands, Laying on of

See also Administration to the Sick; Gift of the Holy Ghost; Ordain, Ordination; Setting Apart

The act of placing one’s hands on a person’s head as part of a priesthood ordinance. Many priesthood ordinances are performed by the laying on of hands, such as ordinations, blessings, administering to the sick, confirming Church membership, and conferring the Holy Ghost.

  • Moses laid his hands upon the head of Joshua, as the Lord commanded:Num. 27:18, 22–23; ( Deut. 34:9; )
  • Jesus laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them:Mark 6:5; ( Morm. 9:24; )
  • The Apostles laid their hands on the seven who would assist them:Acts 6:5–6;
  • The Holy Ghost was given by the laying on of hands:Acts 8:14–17;
  • Ananias laid his hands on Saul and restored his sight:Acts 9:12, 17–18;
  • Paul laid his hands on him and healed him:Acts 28:8;
  • Paul taught the doctrine of baptism and the laying on of hands:Heb. 6:2;
  • Alma ordained priests and elders by the laying on of hands:Alma 6:1;
  • Jesus gave his disciples the power to confer the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands:3 Ne. 18:36–37;
  • Upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost:Moro. 2:2;
  • Elders are to lay their hands upon children for a blessing:D&C 20:70;
  • They shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands:D&C 35:6; ( A of F 1:4; )
  • Elders shall lay hands upon the sick:D&C 42:44; ( D&C 66:9; )
  • Children are to receive the laying on of hands after baptism:D&C 68:27;
  • The priesthood is received by the laying on of hands:D&C 84:6–16;