Laying on of Hands
This procedure is used in several ordinances of the Church, and is performed for the bestowal of the gift and power of the Holy Ghost on or for the candidate or recipient (Acts 8:18-20). The hands of the minister(s) become the symbol for the bestowal of this Holy Spirit by God Himself. The hand has been a frequently used symbol in scripture for the power of God at work. (Luke 1:65; D&C 94:6) The candidate is usually seated, with the ministers standing behind him or her. In the case of the blessing of an infant, one minister holds the child while the spokesman lays on hands and gives a prayer of blessing. This procedure is used for Baptisms of the Spirit, Administrations to the Sick, Blessings of Infants, Ordinations of Minister, and Patriarchal Blessings to those seeking such. Although uniquely different, each of these ordinances calls forth a receiving of the Holy Spirit (or its benefits) for the candidate.