Lay Hands Upon Yourself

Beloved of God,

When I first became a Christian, I wasn't sure how it would unfold in my daily activity. As a result, those first few months were spent watching others to see what Christianity looked like for them. What I observed  became a "menu" of sorts, to see how my own faith could take hold.   It didn't all suit my personality, my maturity, my capabilities, my schedule or my language, as I saw them at the time. I looked at what was available, asked God what was good  and He picked exactly what was suited to my palate, what would nourish my soul.

One of my favorite things was, and still is, the laying of hands.  With expressed permission, it is a prayer that involves physically putting hands on the one being prayed over, usually on a shoulder but sometimes on the area of affliction.  In a larger group, this might also mean not connecting to the recipient of prayer but someone else praying and by extension, providing a healing touch through that person.  I have had the privilege of being part of a praying group and with deep gratitude, I have also been prayed over.

But what happens when you are alone and in need of prayer?  Believer, place your hand upon yourself.

We often reserve the laying of hands for someone else but I think it's important to do this TO OURSELVES.  As Believers we call upon the power of God in prayer. You have the Holy Spirit within you so why would you withhold that power from yourself? If we are to really be the hands and feet of Jesus, then may Jesus use THESE hands to cure THIS body.

Beloved, if we consistently put our needs before everyone else's, then we are living the negative aspect of "self-centered".  I pray we have the sense to change that behavior and realize we are not the sun. On the other hand, it is acting with "self-care" that taking care of ourselves becomes an act of service for others.  It is in self-care we are able to continue ministry and have the ability to be effective family members.

Many of us pray in stillness when we pray for ourselves.  I would encourage you though to  place a hand on your own  area of distress, physical or emotional. In the need of emotional healing, you may place a hand on your mind for clarity, your heart for brokenness or the gut as you seek God's will (I call the gut God's alarm bell.) Reach as you are able.

Beloved, in this act you are acknowledging your own value in the eyes of God. You are giving physical form to the Holy Spirit. Laying hands is a tangible act of faith and most importantly, you are acknowledging the power God has provided IN YOU to take part in healing and being healed.  You HAVE it. Put it to work.  God is listening.

2 Timothy 1:6