Do you lay hands? Do you pray over your
family and friends? No? Then keep reading...
My first real experience came when I was in Peru for the first time.
We were hiking through the Andes Mountains when we came across a small
mud hewn hut. There were three women standing out front. Two of
them were probably in their mid 30's. The other woman was in her late
60's. In the yard was a little girl no more than three playing in the
dirt. As we walked upon their little
house the older women ran to meet us.
She had tears in her eyes and she began to speak. Her words were quiet and soft, but full of
intention. She spoke in Quechua to our translator. We had no idea what she was saying, but we
felt it. One by one, each of the members
of our team started to surround the woman.
The other women in the yard came and joined us. We quietly stood and listened as the
translator spoke to the women. Then, as
if it was the most natural thing in the world, we reached out and touched the
woman. We prayed. She prayed.
Neither one of us understanding each other, but spiritually speaking, we
were completely in sync.
No one walked away from that experience with dry eyes. The Holy Spirit was among us. And
not one walked away feeling the same. Here
we were a bunch of Americans walking through the mountains, and there God found
us. God met this lady right where she
was. Broken, desperate, and yearning for
more. More of Him.
I have learned that laying hands is a gift that God has given us. Laying hands when people are sick. Lay hands when people need comfort. Lay hands when people feel weak. Lay hands when people are afraid. Lay hands when people are hurt.
Laying hands is powerful. I have
felt the Holy Spirit’s presence. His
overwhelming power. Once while riding in
a van in Peru a friend had an anxiety attack.
There was no stopping the van. After
all, our driver didn’t look more than 15 years old. The only thing we could do was pray. We laid hands on her and prayed like never
before. We prayed for comfort and peace,
and stillness. Jesus showed up, my
friend felt relief and comfort.
My mom recently had surgery.
Before she went into the operating room, I laid hands and prayed. The Holy Spirit showed up.
We’ve laid hands on expectant moms and prayed them into their new
adventure. Prayed for a safe delivery
and a peaceful motherhood.
I have laid hands on my sick children, my husband’s business trip. You can lay hands on your teenage drivers
car. Lay hands on a physical building, a
church, your home, and a new business.
Sometimes at night I tiptoe in my kids room. Quietly, sneaking through the strewn Legos
and monster trucks. I walk up to their
bed and gently lay hands on my sweet kiddos.
I pray over them. I pray for the
day and their attitudes. I pray for
their futures and their wives. I pray
that I can be the best mommy I can be for them.
I pray that they show me grace and I show them the same. Laying hands is powerful.
My Quechua women had been praying for help to happen upon them. Their tiny little village was under a dark
spirit. There had been much destruction
and killing in her village. She had been
praying for help. She just didn’t know
that help showed up in the form of white faces and hands. The power of prayer does not have a language
barrier. The power of prayer has no
borders.
I do not have a special power, or claim to be a healer of the sick. My hands are no more special than your
hands. But I also know, that when we pray, the Holy
Spirit shows up. I believe that Jesus can do anything!!
Will you be so bold in your faith to lay hands?
2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into the flame the gift of God,
which is in you through the laying on of my hands
