Laying On of Hands

The laying on of hands is the procedure revealed by the

Lord for performing many priesthood ordinances, such as

confirmation, ordination, setting members apart to serve in

callings, administering to the sick, and giving other priesthood

blessings (see D&C 42:44; Articles of Faith 1:4–5). Those

having the proper priesthood authority place their hands

upon the head of the person receiving the ordinance. In

doing so, they serve as instruments through whom the Lord

blesses His children (see D&C 36:2).

This procedure has always been used by priesthood holders.

Adam ordained his righteous male descendants by the

laying on of hands (see D&C 107:40–50). When Jacob pronounced

blessings on Ephraim and Manasseh, he laid his

hands on their heads (see Genesis 48:14–19). Alma “ordained

priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the

order of God” (Alma 6:1). The Apostles Peter and John

bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands

(see Acts 8:14–17). In this dispensation, John the Baptist conferred

the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver

Cowdery by the laying on of hands (see Joseph Smith—

History 1:68–69).

Additional references: Numbers 27:18–23; Acts 19:1–6; 1 Timothy 4:14;

D&C 33:15; 35:6

See also Holy Ghost; Priesthood