The human hand is a powerful tool for healing, comforting and caring for others. As caregivers, nurses, doctors, therapists, spiritual advisors or any other healthcare professionals, we use our hands to spread love and compassion to those in need. In this regard, a blessing of the hands ceremony can help us renew our commitment to our calling and focus our attention on the healing work we do. In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning and purpose of a blessing of the hands, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform this sacred ritual.
What is a blessing of the hands?
A blessing of the hands is a spiritual ritual that has its roots in various traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American spirituality. The ceremony is performed to honor the hands as a sacred instrument of healing and to invoke divine blessings upon them. The practice is commonly used in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, hospices, and nursing homes, to help healthcare providers feel more connected to their patients, colleagues, and spiritual selves.
Why do a blessing of the hands?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to do a blessing of the hands. Some of the most common motivations include:
- To honor the sacred role of the hands in healing and caregiving
- To connect with one’s spiritual purpose and calling as a healthcare provider
- To seek divine guidance, protection, and support in one’s work
- To cultivate a sense of gratitude for the privilege of helping others
- To reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout by finding meaning and purpose in one’s work
How to perform a blessing of the hands
Performing a blessing of the hands is a simple, yet powerful, ritual that can be done individually or in a group setting. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to perform a blessing of the hands:
Step 1: Find a quiet, sacred space
Choose a location where you feel comfortable and can focus your attention on the ritual. This can be a chapel, meditation room, garden, or any other space that inspires you. If you are doing the ritual with others, make sure to choose a space that is large enough to accommodate everyone.
Step 2: Set the intention
Before you begin the ritual, take a moment to set your intention for the ceremony. This can be a silent prayer, meditation, or affirmation that reflects why you are doing the blessing of the hands. For example, you might say: “I offer this blessing as a symbol of my commitment to healing, caring, and compassion. May my hands be guided by divine wisdom, love, and grace as I serve others.”
Step 3: Cleanse the hands
Wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use hand sanitizer, to cleanse them physically and symbolically. This act represents the purification of the hands for their sacred use in the ritual.
Step 4: Anoint the hands with oil
Choose a natural, scented oil that resonates with you, such as lavender, rose, or frankincense. Place a few drops of the oil in the palm of your hand, and then rub your hands together to distribute the oil evenly. This act symbolizes the anointing of the hands with sacred oil, which has been used for centuries as a symbol of healing and protection.
Step 5: Say the blessing
There are many different blessings you can use for a blessing of the hands. You can choose a traditional prayer, create your own, or simply speak from the heart. Here is an example of a traditional blessing:
“Bless these hands that they may be a healing presence to those in need. May they have the strength to lift up those who have fallen, the compassion to comfort those who are hurting, and the touch to soothe all pain. May they be an extension of your love and grace, oh divine spirit, and may they bring hope and peace to all who receive them.”
Step 6: Receive the blessing
If you are doing the ritual with others, you can invite them to come forward and receive the blessing of the hands. Allow them to extend their hands towards you while you hold your own hands above theirs. You can then say the blessing again or simply hold the space of divine love and healing for them to receive.
Step 7: Seal the ritual
When you feel ready, take a deep breath and release any tension or stress you may be holding. Thank the divine, or your Higher Power, for being present with you in the ritual. You can then seal the ritual by blowing out a candle, ringing a bell, or simply saying “amen”.
Conclusion
Performing a blessing of the hands is a beautiful way to honor the sacred work of healthcare providers and connect with our spiritual purpose. By performing this ritual regularly, we can renew our commitment to healing, care, and compassion, and find solace in our work. Whether you do the blessing of the hands alone or in a group, take the time to honor the sacredness of your hands and the healing power they hold.
FAQ
What is the hand prayer thing?
The “hand prayer thing” that you may be referring to is actually a religious gesture called the Sign of the Cross. The Sign of the Cross is a ritual blessing made by tracing an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand. This gesture has been a tradition within various Christian denominations for centuries and is often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the Trinitarian formula: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
The Sign of the Cross symbolizes the belief of Christians in the Triune God. The cross shape refers to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, while the statement made during the gesture affirms belief in the three persons of the Christian Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This can be interpreted as a reminder of one’s faith and commitment to follow God’s teachings in daily life.
Though the Sign of the Cross is recognized as a Christian tradition, it holds different meanings and practices based on the denomination and individual. For instance, in the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, it is customary to make the sign of the cross starting from the forehead, then down to the heart, the left shoulder, and then the right shoulder, while in the Anglican and Lutheran churches, the sign starts at the forehead and then directly down to the chest. In addition, some individuals may use various expressions such as kissing or touching the cross after making the sign or using different invocations.
The hand prayer thing that you are asking about is actually the Sign of the Cross, a ritual blessing used by Christians for centuries to affirm their faith and commitment to God.