There are numerous ways to minister healing; however, laying on of hands is the most frequently used methods in the New Testament. As we listen to the Holy Spirit, He will reveal how we are to minister at any given time.

When we lay hands on the sick, we are providing a point of contact through which the power of God can flow from us into others. It's like putting two hot wires together so that the electrical power can flow.

Laying on of hands, like anointing with oil, the use of handkerchiefs, or other cloths, provides a point of contact which can release faith.

Here is an important thing to note before we discuss the laying on of hands: often, before we lay hands on a sick person, we should take time to release his or her faith by sharing healing scriptures, or by relating testimonies of others who have received a similar healing.

A Biblical Basis For Laying On Of Hands
The laying on of hands has roots in the Old Testament. It's important for us to understand that there is a real and tangible impartation through the laying on of hands.

Old Testament Example—Sin Transferred To The Goat
In the book of Leviticus, sin was transferred to a goat.

Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.
(Lev. 16:21-22)

Wisdom Transferred
Through the laying on of hands by Moses, the spirit of wisdom was transferred to Joshua.

Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.
(Deut. 34:9)

Elementary Principles
We find in Hebrews the laying on of hands is one of the elementary principles of Christ's earthly ministry:

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
(Heb. 6:1-2)

Laying on of hands has always been used to impart, or transfer, from one to another.

Holy Spirit Received
When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he placed his hands on the believers and the Holy Spirit came on them.

And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
(Acts 19:6)

Paul told Timothy to stir up the gifts that had been imparted to him by the laying on of hands.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
(2 Tim. 1:6)

As these examples illustrate, the Scriptures teach us that there is a spiritual impartation through the laying on of hands.

Don't Take It Lightly!
The ministry of laying on of hands shouldn't be taken lightly. We should recognize, know, and respect those who minister among us.

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you....
(1 Thess. 5:12)

The laying on of hands which was often used to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or an anointing and recognition for service, was not to be by sudden impulse. It is to be led by the Spirit of God.

1 Timothy 5:22 says, "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily...."

Jesus Ministered By Laying On Hands
When Jesus ministered healing, He was always reaching out, touching, and laying His hands on the people.

The Leper
Leprosy was a disease which was considered very contagious. However, when the leprous man asked for healing, Jesus ministered by laying on of hands—He touched him.

Mark 1:40-41 says, "Then a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, 'If You are willing, You can make me clean.' And Jesus, moved with compassion, put out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'"

Jairus' Daughter
When Jesus was summoned to the death bed of Jairus' daughter, He took her by the hand (laying on of hands) and spoke life into her physical body.

While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.

Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." And they laughed Him to scorn.

But when He had put them all out, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.

Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
(Mark 5:35-42)

The Deaf And Mute Man
In this example of the deaf and mute man, we see that Jesus touched the part of the body affected by the infirmity. He put His fingers into the man's ears and touched his tongue.

And again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee. Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him.

And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.
(Mark 7:31-35)

It's interesting to note the way Jesus placed His hands on people. Many times it was on the area needing healing. If our tradition has been to always place our hands on the head of a person, we could learn from the example of Jesus and place our hands on the area that requires healing.

It is also important to know that the laying on of hands should not be done religiously—it should always be grounded in faith. Laying on of hands is only part of the equation, but it is the method Jesus used the most to heal people.

Source: God's Provision For Healing by Dr. A.L. and Joyce Gill.
Excerpt permission granted by Powerhouse Publishing