The other day I heard a mans voice outside my window. I looked outside and saw a group of four men in regular/everyday clothing, standing in a circle praying and one man was chanting. They stopped as a small boy (about 8 years old) ran into the center of the circle then all of the men put one hand on the boys head and continued to pray and chant. From what I could understand they were praying for the boy and his father to give them strength? And asking God to guide the small boy and help him to make the right choices. This whole event lasted about 15 minutes. When it was all over they all got into their cars and left...
I'm not really sure what this was all about, I'm not a big religion buff - but I am curious as to what was happening, so if anyone has an explanation please let me know.

The laying on of the hands has been used throughout the Bible, especially for prayer and healing. The Apostles held their hands on someone with the Power that Jesus gave to heal.

Acts 5:12
"At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people."

Christians still do this today and call upon the Spirit of the Lord or the Holy Spirit to send blessing and heal. Jesus healed through the power of touch in His miracles. It is through this power that people pray for certain intentions. In fact, Catholic Churches hold Healing Services where a priest prays over a person by putting his hand on their forehead and asks the person to receive the Holy Spirit.

OliverTC
Street chanting is an old custom that goes back many centuries. It is a beautiful way to praise God.
It has been accurately said that singing or chanting prayers is to pray twice in the same effort.
The laying on of the hands is a form of blessing a person.
Peace and kindness,
Fred