Where did this UPC tradition come from?
 

Where did the UPC get the tradition of laying hands on peoples head?

I noticed this morning as I was reading in Matthew how twice it mentioned he took their hand and prayed for them.

First was when He prayed for Peter's mother in law. She had a fever and He took her hand and the fever vanished.

Second time was when the daughter that was deceased, He took her hand and she came back to life.

I know He put mud in a blind man's eyes.

But as I was reading that this morning, the thought just came to me as why we anoint the head and pray with hand layed on the head.

I have also heard it said not to lay hands on the head of someone that is over you or higher up in status as it would be consider ursurping authority.

Anyone have an answer for this?

I think we picked it up along the way, like many other traditions.

If it's good enough for Benny Hinn it should be good enough for us.

It does make the one laying hands on look all powerful though, don't you think?

Its not a UPC tradition that I know.We did this when I attended Charismatic meetings as well.I know that the laying on of hands is biblical as is the annointing with oil and prayer for the sick by the elders of the church.I understand that the raising of hands toward a person that you are praying for came from Wimbers group out in Ca.Certainly it did not come from the Catholics or the Baptist or even Methodist groups as I have been to their meetings.The Episcopalian group who we visited a few times did this and also held hands and prayed for each other.They actually believed and taught that when someone becomes confirmed which is in their religons language the proclamation of becoming a Christian before the church family and hands are laid on you that you will speak in other tongues.I don't know if it was just particular to this group of Episcopalians but it was a nice service and very much like a pentecostal service.

It is listed as one of the
principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Ether,
In Mark 16:18, as you know, it says, "...they shall lay hands ON the sick..."

That conveys more than just taking someone's hand, IMO.

As to the usurping authority - I believe Jesus set the example in washing everyone's feet and not just having his feet washed. That, IMO, would be an example of ANYONE in need should seek for prayer and not be filled with pride of office.

:tiphat

I bet because it would not be offensive if a Man touched a woman on her head.

more than likely from here

Hebrews 6
1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3And this will we do, if God permit.

4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Acts 6:6 (KJV) 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 8:19 (KJV) 19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Acts 28:8 (KJV) 8And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV) 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

:tiphat

In the process of anointing with oil, as it was done in Bible days, oil was poured upon the head.

Our anointing process probably stems from that in part. We dab some oil on the head and proceed to pray for the person with hands laid on the head.

You pour oil on my good clothes and buddy its on.