In Christianity, there are various rituals and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of these traditions is the blessing of hands. The blessing of hands is an age-old practice that has been performed by various Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. In this blog post, we will explore what the blessing of hands is, its significance, and how it is performed.
What is the Blessing of Hands?
The blessing of hands is a ritual in which the members of the Christian faith receive blessings and anointings of their hands. The blessing is received to help them carry out their mission and work, whether in professional or personal life. The ancient church believed that the hands were channels of divine power and life-giving energy. The practice of blessing the hands was, therefore, viewed as a way of consecrating the hands and empowering them for service.
The Significance of the Blessing of Hands
The Blessing of Hands has great significance in the Christian faith. It is a reminder to the faithful that every aspect of their physical being matters to God. The hands, in particular, are seen as powerful instruments of action in the world. They are seen as having the ability to support, mentor, and offer comfort to others.
The Blessing of Hands ceremony is also significant in that it involves the community in an expression of appreciation and honor for the person receiving the blessing. During the ceremony, the leader of the gathering or the officiating priest sprinkles holy water on the hands of the person being blessed. The hands are then anointed with oil as the leader of the gathering recites a blessing prayer.
The Blessing of Hands ceremony can also be seen as a way to unify the community and bring them closer together, as they come together to offer prayers of blessing on someone’s life. This practice links Christians all over the world in a bond of faith, hope, and love that transcends all denominational boundaries.
How is the Blessing of Hands Performed?
The blessing of hands can be performed in various ways, depending on the particular church tradition. In some traditions, the blessing of hands is performed in groups, while in others, individuals are blessed separately.
The Blessing of Hands ceremony starts with the preparation of the ritual materials, such as holy water and oils. The holy water used in the ritual is prepared by the priest, who adds salt to the water and blesses it. The oils used to anoint the hands are consecrated by the bishop.
Once the materials are ready, those who are receiving the blessing of hands usually kneel or stand with their hands extended. The priest or bishop may sprinkle holy water over the hands of the person being blessed. Then, they anoint the hands with oil, forming the sign of the cross.
As they anoint the hands, the presiding minister usually recites a prayer of blessing. The prayer usually expresses gratitude for the gifts that the person has been given and asks for the grace of God to be poured out on the person in a new way.
Conclusion
The Blessing of Hands is a sacred ritual in Christianity that has been practiced for many centuries. It is a reminder of the importance of the hands in Christian service and the powerful connection between the physical and spiritual aspects of life. It serves as an expression of community, unity, and recognition of the talents and abilities that each person in the community brings. By sharing the Blessing of Hands ceremony, Christians come together to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of each person’s contribution to the world.
FAQ
What does the Bible say about blessing the works of our hands?
The concept of blessing the works of our hands is found throughout the Bible and is a significant part of Christian theology. The Bible teaches that hard work and diligence is important in achieving success and prosperity. However, it also asserts that our success is ultimately a gift from God and that He alone is the source of our blessings.
One of the most significant passages in the Bible regarding blessing the works of our hands is found in Deuteronomy 28:12-13, which says:
“The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
This passage is a part of the blessings and curses that God promises to the Israelites depending on their obedience or disobedience to His commands. In this passage, God promises to bless the works of their hands if they obey His commands and follow Him.
The book of Psalms also contains passages that speak of blessing the works of our hands. Psalm 90:17 says, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” This passage acknowledges that our success and the work of our hands are ultimately in God’s hands, and we need His favor and blessing to accomplish our goals.
Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This verse emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in achieving success. God can’t bless empty hands but rewards effort and work and expects us to steward the resources and talents He has given us.
The Bible teaches that God desires to bless the works of our hands and for us to be prosperous. However, success does not come without effort on our part, and we must work hard and diligently to achieve it. We must also acknowledge that our success ultimately comes from God and that we need His favor and blessing to accomplish our goals.
What do hands symbolize in Christianity?
In Christianity, hands have significant symbolism throughout various aspects of the faith. One of the most notable symbolic representations of hands can be found in the imagery of Jesus Christ. The hand represents divine approval, and specifically acceptance of his sacrifice, and possibly also the storm mentioned in the gospels. In depictions of Jesus Christ, his hands are often extended outward with his palms up to symbolize his offering of himself to God and humanity. Similarly, the crucifixion of Jesus also features prominently the symbolism of hands, as the image of Christ on the cross shows his hands pierced by nails.
In addition to the symbolism of Christ’s hands, there are other significant references to hands throughout Christian imagery and teachings. For example, the phrase “laying on of hands” is mentioned in the New Testament and is often used to describe the act of conferring blessings or healing through touch. This act is believed to be a means of invoking the power of the Holy Spirit to heal, and can be seen in practices such as baptism and confirmation.
Furthermore, in Christian artwork, the use of the hand gesture known as the “sign of the cross” is common. This gesture involves touching the forehead, chest, shoulders, and then crossing oneself, and is a visible sign of one’s faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. This gesture is believed to invoke spiritual protection, and is used in various Christian traditions such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism.
The symbolism of hands in Christianity is rich and multifaceted, with various meanings attached to different aspects of the faith. From the hands of Christ to the laying on of hands in healing and the sign of the cross, the use of hands in Christian imagery and practice serves to communicate the deep spiritual significance of the faith and its teachings.