Laity and laying of hands

yellow8yellowM · #1 Jun 13, '12, 7:26 am

Do the hands of lay people have any special powers?

Last night I was praying with my wife and she got upset when I wouldn't put my hand on her belly to pray over the baby in her womb (I would have but it would have been an awkward position for my arm). I told her it didn't matter where I put my hands and the argument went on. Who is right?

Boulder257 · #2 Jun 13, '12, 7:34 am

The hands of the laity are not consecrated, as those of a Priest. Your prayer meant as much to God regardless of whether your hand was on her belly.

Having said that I would not argue with a pregnant woman, especially over something like this. Arguing that your hand may have been uncomfortable at the same time that she is carrying a child is probably not going to "win" you any points.

I say keep the peace. Bring home dinner tonight and say, "sorry about that stupid argument last night. Can I get you anything?"

FAB · #3 Jun 13, '12, 7:36 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow8yellowM

Do the hands of lay people have any special powers?

Last night I was praying with my wife and she got upset when I wouldn't put my hand on her belly to pray over the baby in her womb (I would have but it would have been an awkward position for my arm). I told her it didn't matter where I put my hands and the argument went on. Who is right?

Touch has special meaning no matter who does it. If your child was born and in front of you, would you refuse to but your hand on the child in prayer?

It has special meaning to your wife, that is what is important, for her confort and your love together.

Dcn. FAB

triumphguy · #4 Jun 13, '12, 8:04 am

The hands of the "laity" might have no special power, but the hands of a father, or a husband, or a brother, or a friend surely do have power.

You really can kiss away the pain from a 6 year old's booboo .

Rich C · #5 Jun 13, '12, 8:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow8yellowM

Do the hands of lay people have any special powers?

No, but affirming touches are good. Maybe that's all she wanted.

yellow8yellowM · #6 Jun 13, '12, 8:29 am

Thank you for your replies. I agree that I should lay my hands there for her benefit and be a nice husband to a pregnant wife especially.

She specifically accused me of being spiritually undeveloped because I disagreed with her about the laying of the hands. We would both like to end this discussion, but we don't know where or how to find the answer.

TimothyH · #7 Jun 13, '12, 8:38 am

I lay my hands on my daughter's head often and give her the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6.

Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them." (Numbers 6:23-27)

.

-Tim-

Aelred Minor · #8 Jun 13, '12, 8:43 am

There would be no sacramental meaning to the laying on of hands. However, we are not pure spirits and should not try to pray like we are. Bodily postures, gestures, etc. have meaning for us. Putting a hand on your wife's belly to pray for your baby sounds very appropriate to me.

That said, I wonder if your wife has been exposed to a "charismatic" spirituality that you do not share and may be being elitist about it, thinking non-charismatics are spirituality undeveloped.

RogerDeCourcy · #9 Jun 13, '12, 8:50 am

Generally, I would be careful about laying on of hands. This is not directed to the OP. The 'healer' might have a demon or two. I would ask St. Michael to protect me before I let someone do that.

superamazingman · #10 Jun 13, '12, 11:47 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow8yellowM

Do the hands of lay people have any special powers?

Last night I was praying with my wife and she got upset when I wouldn't put my hand on her belly to pray over the baby in her womb (I would have but it would have been an awkward position for my arm). I told her it didn't matter where I put my hands and the argument went on. Who is right?

There is no spiritual difference, so you are right on a technical level, but emotionally, I'd go along with the wife. Sounds like less of a prayer thing and more of a pregnant wife wanting you there with her.

archangel04 · #11 Jun 13, '12, 1:17 pm

A group that my mom once attended insisted on praying over her by laying their hands on her head. My mom told them she did not feel right since only the priest or Bishop had consecrated hands. The group told her that this is the way the Holy spirit could come into her life. She was confused until I finally explained to her that the laying on the hands have no logical/sacramental significance. It may give emotional support since touch can be a good feeling and give a sense of assurance and even security, other than that its just a simple physical touch.