How to Use Anointing Oil in Prayer and Devotion
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
— James 5:14
For thousands of years, anointing oils have been used in biblical traditions as sacred tools for spiritual connection, healing, and consecration. From Old Testament rituals to modern Christian devotion, these fragrant oils remain a powerful expression of faith and blessing.
In this article, we explore how to use anointing oil, its biblical symbolism, and how to choose the right one for your spiritual journey.
🕊️ What Is Anointing Oil?
Anointing oil is typically a blend of olive oil infused with biblical ingredients such as frankincense, myrrh, spikenard, and cassia. In Scripture, oil was a sign of:
-
Holiness and setting apart (Exodus 30:29)
-
Divine presence and healing (James 5:14)
-
Spiritual authority (1 Samuel 10:1, when Samuel anointed Saul)
These oils are not just fragrant—they’re deeply symbolic. They carry the essence of biblical lands, especially when sourced from the Holy Land.
🙏 How to Use Anointing Oil in Daily Prayer
Whether you are praying alone, in a group, or offering a blessing to someone, here are meaningful ways to use anointing oil:
✨ 1. Anointing Yourself
-
Apply a small drop to your forehead, heart, or hands
-
Say a short prayer of dedication or Psalm (e.g., Psalm 23:5)
-
Focus on aligning your heart with God
✨ 2. Blessing Others
-
Use oil when praying over a loved one
-
Place oil on the forehead or palms and speak words of comfort, or strength
-
Many believers use it during baptism, confirmation, or house blessings
✨ 3. Sanctifying Space
-
Dab oil at the entrances of your home as a sign of spiritual covering
-
Combine it with reading Psalm 91 or Numbers 6:24–26
Tip: Always treat the oil with reverence—store it safely and pray before use.
🌿 Choosing the Right Anointing Oil
Each scent has its biblical origin and symbolic meaning:
-
Myrrh – Symbol of suffering, purification, and preparation
Scripture: John 19:39, Esther 2:12 -
Frankincense – Represents worship, prayer, and priesthood
Scripture: Exodus 30:34, Matthew 2:11 -
Spikenard – Signifies intimacy with God and deep devotion
Scripture: John 12:3 -
Rose of Sharon – Symbolizes beauty and the Bride of Christ
Scripture: Song of Songs 2:1 -
Pomegranate – Associated with fruitfulness, blessing, and holiness
Scripture: Exodus 28:33–34
Explore our full Anointing Oil Collection to find the blend that speaks to your heart.
📦 Complete Your Devotional Set
Consider pairing your oil with:
Each item is blessed in the Holy Land, bringing sacred authenticity to your prayer life.
💬 Final Thoughts
Using anointing oil is not about ritual for ritual’s sake—it’s about inviting God’s presence into your life. Whether you’re seeking peace, protection, or praise, this biblical tradition connects you to centuries of faith, rooted in Jerusalem.
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
— Psalm 23:5