laying on of hands

noun

1. Theology. a rite in which the cleric's hands are placed on the head of a person being confirmed, ordained, or the like.
2. (in divine healing) the placing of the hands of the healer upon the person to be cured.

laying on of hands

noun

1. (in Christian ordination, confirmation, faith healing, etc) the act of laying hands on a person's head to confer spiritual blessing

Word History and Origins

Origin of laying on of hands¹

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

The 'ordination' ceremony follows a similar liturgy to that which men becoming Catholic priests would experience - including the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration.

From BBC

Ideally, school is a laying on of hands.

From New York Times

Texas could not prove that in denying Ramirez’s request for prayer and the “laying on of hands” by his pastor, the court concluded.

From Washington Post

For many Christians, the laying on of hands is at the heart of prayer rituals.

From New York Times

So much of religious life remains physical, such as sacraments or the laying on of hands for healing prayer.

From New York Times