Day 266 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

by King's Cross Training
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.”
Hebrews 6: 1 - 3, NIV, emphasis added 

 

Dear reader, the author of todays Faith Station is well aware that you are probably very well acquainted with today’s text. If you’ve been following the Faith Stations for this year you’ll know that our focus has been Foundation Stones, and one of the theme verses for this course is today’s reading. But, it’s good for us to start here again.

 

Today is not only the first day of August but also our first day of looking at the practice of the laying on of hands. To kick us off on this track, consider this question: when last did you see or participate in the laying on of hands? You might be able to answer that you’ve practise the laying on of hands while praying for healing or giving a prophetic word within the last week. Or you might scratch you head trying to conjure up the last time you’ve seen or participated in the laying on of hands. You might even be confused about what this practise is or doubt that it’s relevant for you. Wherever you sit on that spectrum, don’t worry. I’ve got you.

 

Within the next month I, like a good salesman, will clearly show the practise and all its features and benefits. By the end I am certain I’ll make my sale because this wonderful practise will literally cost you nothing. But for now, for today, let us just start on this one point: the word of God clearly instructs us to practise the laying on of hands. Since we are children of an exceedingly good Heavenly Father, today let’s say yes. Let’s say yes to making this practice a part of our lives. Let’s trust our good Heavenly Father as we discover, some of us for the first time, one of the oldest faith practises of the people of God.

 

Today, will you say yes?

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are truly good and capable of giving good gifts. Today I accept the good gift of the laying on of hands and commit myself to this practise as a sign of faith in you and love towards you.

 

Would you like to do this devotion with the family?

  1. Start by reading today’s passage - this could be the task of a child.
  2. Designate a scribe: jot down everyone’s name then starting youngest to oldest ask everyone what they think the laying on of hands means. Jot these ideas down and keep this around the house somewhere everyone can see it - maybe on the refrigerator. In this month see how your understandings change/grow/develop.
  3. Try this illustration: wrap up a gift or cover a snack. Ask your children whether they’d be excited about receiving the item, even though they don’t know what it is. Tell them that if they want it they must say yes. Explain that even though they may not yet know what the laying on of hands is they can be sure that since it is a gift from their Heavenly Father it is definitely good.
  4. Finish by praying together and lead younger children. If the prayer above is too complex for children use the one below:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all the good gifts you give us [maybe you can name a few].  Thank you especially for the gift of the laying on of hands. Today I say yes this gift. Help me to  understand it and do it. 

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