Spiritual Practice of the Week:  Laying on of Hands
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6  

The practice of laying on of hands has been part of the Christian faith since the very beginning. The laying on of hands is a blessing. Jesus often laid his hands on people in healing and recognition.  Using the practice in a youth ministry context is a powerful way to pray together and joins us with a long line of the faithful who have done the same, and with the Holy Spirit who we call on to move in our lives. Laying on of hands is also used in healing ministry to call Spirit to intercede and heal the energy flow throughout the body.

This is a time when a lot of programmes in the church wrap up for a summer break, youth group members are off to summer jobs, summer camp, graduation and travels. 

You may wish to use the practice of laying on of hands when someone from the youth program requires a special blessing or is leaving the youth group. Sending people off with a blessing of prayerful touch can offer a deeply spiritual ending. You may also wish to lay hands on each person in the group in turn, offering words of blessing and celebration.

Prayer for someone leaving
Invite youth group members to gather around the person to be blessed and lay their hands on the head or shoulders of the person. Offer a prayer for the person being blessed. Notice their gifts and what they have brought to the group, and acknowledge what they are going to and how they will go.

Pray together saying: Loving God, we ask that your spirit live and work in the life of ________, that where ever they go they will know that this community cares for them. They are not alone. Be with them as they______, serving the world and the people around them with love and humility. Loving God, we ask your blessing on this life, keep _____in your care. Amen.

© This prayer practice and all of those on the Sunday Morning Blog Post can be found in:  "Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry" Wood Lake Publishing
Doris is the Youth Director for the United Church of Canada in BC.