Anointing with oil is a Christian worship practice in which oil is placed on someone’s forehead, hands, or body, often while a minister prays. Depending on the tradition, the act may invoke the Holy Spirit, ask for healing, consecrate a person for service, or mark a stage in initiation.
What actually happens during an anointing?
The church’s practice determines the details. A priest, pastor, bishop, elder, or other appointed person may dip a thumb into a small bowl of oil, touch or smear it on the person’s forehead or hands, or pour a small amount. In some charismatic or Pentecostal services, people may take a drop in a palm and apply it themselves to the forehead. The recipient may bow or receive a laying on of hands while the officiant prays.
“Anointing” means rubbing or pouring oil over someone. The oil is often olive oil, but it may be perfumed. In some traditions, specially blessed oil is used; in others, ordinary olive oil has no formal consecration. The chrismation rite involves specially consecrated oil in several churches.
Which churches use anointing with oil?
Catholic churches use oil in the Anointing of the Sick, when a priest prays for a person who is ill. They also use chrism for baptism, confirmation, and ordination. Eastern Orthodox churches use consecrated oil in Holy Unction and use chrism in a rite called chrismation.
Anglican and Episcopal churches may use chrism at baptism, confirmation, ordination, and other occasions set by their bishop. Some Lutheran congregations use oil in confirmation or ordination. Among Pentecostal, charismatic, and other Protestant churches, ministers or members may use olive oil while praying for healing or dedicating a person or ministry. Latter-day Saints also practice anointing with oil in administration to the sick. These practices are not uniform within denominations.
What does the oil symbolize?
Oil in the Bible can signify consecration, the presence or power of the Holy Spirit, and healing. Biblical narratives describe anointing people or objects for service, and “anointed” became a title for a chosen servant. James 5:14–16 in the King James Version instructs sick believers to call for church elders to anoint them with oil and pray for healing.
Traditions interpret the ritual differently. Some see the oil as an outward sign of God’s action. Catholic and Orthodox churches regard particular anointings as sacramental or incorporate them into rites of initiation. In many Protestant churches, it is a symbolic prayerful act rather than a sacrament. The comparison of Christian sacraments and ordinances explains how traditions classify these practices.
What should a visitor expect?
An ordinary Sunday service may not include an anointing. It is more likely at a baptism, confirmation, ordination, sick-blessing service, revival, or prayer service. Visitors can generally observe without joining. If an officiant invites participation, listen for instructions about where the oil will be placed and whether you should apply it yourself. You may ask the minister for clarification. Receiving prayer is the central act; the oil is a sign used by that church and does not replace medical care.