Christians have used oils to anoint people since the time of Christ. The Scriptures refer several times refers to anointing with oil. Oils are used during Christian holidays, and to anoint people who are sick and dying. If a person is anointed nowadays with oil in the Christian tradition, the oil is usually placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross.
Anointing of the Sick
When a Christian is terminally ill, her priest or minister will come to the sickbed and pray with her for her soul. The priest will place oil on his thumb and make a cross on the person's forehead. Roman Catholics believe that this anointment will help the person feel better and will help her prepare for Christ.
Anointing With the Holy Spirit
Oil is used to anoint people with the Holy Spirit and to pray to the Holy Spirit to guide them. Oil is used as a way to communicate with the Holy Spirit and to express the desire to walk with the Lord. Anointment with the Holy Spirit can be done during holiday ceremonies, in prayer with the dying, or at any time that the priest or minister and the church member feels it necessary.
Prayer
Oil is used in prayer to communicate with God on a higher level. The oil is often placed on the forehead in the symbol of a cross, or the perfume from an oil is used as incense to help send prayers to heaven. Holy oil has usually been blessed by a priest or a minister so that it is ready to use. The scent of the oil can vary depending on the time of year, the type of service, and the church's beliefs.
Types of Oils Used
Frankincense and myrrh are gum resins from aromatic plants. They are used in the making incense, perfume, and sometimes oil. Frankincense and myrrh were brought as gifts to the stable where Jesus was born. Spikenard is thought to be the fragrance in the oil with which Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus' hands and feet to soothe him. Olive oil and balsam are used in modern church rituals to help speed prayers to heaven.
Tags: Holy Spirit, anoint people, priest minister, communicate with, Frankincense myrrh