"The group presented them to the apostles, who prayed and placed their hands on them."

(Acts 6.6 GNB)

Many churches / Christians follow this practice of placing or laying hands as they pray for someone.

Do the hands act as conductor for God's work to flow? I don't think so. It's a tradition. The logic goes that if the apostles do it, then it cannot be a bad thing, right?

A few people may not feel comfortable being prayed for in this way. Be it believers or new converts. It does not hurt or anything. A few people just find it awkward.

Being prayed for sometimes can feel awkward. The combination of the topic, the person who prays, and the environment where the prayer takes place - contribute to the 'being prayed for' experience. And whether or not a person is used to being prayed for in such circumstance.

Everyone has her / his preference. But the important thing is for believers to pray. Including praying for one another.