How to anoint

James 5:14 makes it clear that when we anoint with oil, we must do so IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. As believers, we express the name of the Lord in the three persons of the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Here are a few suggested prayers you might wish to consider:

(Name) ............ I anoint you with this holy oil in the Name of the Father who created you; in the name of Jesus Christ his son who died for you; and in the name of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you. May God the Father pardon you from all your sins; may Jesus Christ restore you to your rightful place in Him; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen you from within. Now go in peace; abide in His presence; and live your life the way He has shown you.

(Name) ............ I anoint you with this oil in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and I pray for you (or the person you are asking prayer for) to receive the fullness of God’s blessing and his joy.

(Name) ............ may the Lord your God sustain you with his presence, drive away all sickness, and give you the victory of his life and his peace which will enable you to serve him both now and evermore.

(Name) ............ may our Lord Jesus Christ uphold you and fill you with his grace, that you may know the healing power of his love in every area of your life.

(Name) ............ may the Lord your God release you from every fear and every doubt and may he set you free from every uncertainty and anxious thought.

(Name) ............ know that you are now cleansed from all your sins by the forgiveness Jesus purchased for you at the cross of Calvary. Go now and live your life as he has shown you - in the power of his Holy Spirit.

Send O God, your healing light and power and energy into every part of

(Name) ............ Grant that every trace of malignancy in every cell and fibre, of blood and bone, be cast out and that wholeness of both body and soul are given.

(Name) ............ may the Lord be with you and help you to walk with him in joy, in peace and in obedience from this day on.

(Name) ............ through the love of God made known to us in Jesus Christ, may God’s grace flow through your life, restoring wholeness to your relationship with him and with others. May his indwelling Spirit strengthen you and keep you abiding in his presence.

In Bible times, anointing oil was often poured all over the person or object being anointed. Today, anointing oil tends to be used more sparingly. While we speak the above words or words similar to these, we lightly wet our fingertip or thumb with the oil and anoint the person or the object. Many people find it helpful and meaningful to make the sign of the cross in oil on the person’s forehead - a practice that dates back to the days of the early church. There is probably no single ‘right’ way to anoint someone with oil. The important thing is to be led by the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to his prompting.