If you have been following this week, we are exploring Genesis 48 and learning how to bless our children and families from the example of Jacob.  Today, I wanted to consider something in the text that we sometimes do but rarely discuss.  If you would say, “Yes, I want to be bless my family, but how do exactly do I do that?”  This post is for you!

[13] And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. [14] And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn).  (Genesis 48:13-14 ESV)

In these two verses, we find the practical example of laying hands on the person you are blessing.

According to Hebrews 6:1-3, the laying on of hands is a part of the Christian community.  Some examples of laying on of hands in the Scriptures include:

• Prayer for healing (Matthew 8:3; James 5:14-15)
• Filling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17)
• Commissioning for Christian service (Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3)

In the book, The Blessing, Gary Smalley & John trent state: “In the (Bible), the symbolic picture of the laying on of hands was important.  In this touch was a graphic picture of transferring power or blessing from one person to another… In the Scriptures, touch played and important part in the bestowal of the family blessing.”

What has been the significance of someone laying hands on you for the purpose of prayer and blessing?