Anointing oil has been used for centuries as a sacred instrument in both personal and communal expressions of faith. From consecrating kings to healing the sick, the spiritual use of oil is deeply woven into the fabric of Christian tradition. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use anointing oil in prayer, how to bless it, what scriptures to declare, and how it serves as a physical symbol of divine protection, healing, and consecration.
What Is Anointing Oil?
Anointing oil is typically a mixture of olive oil and sometimes infused with spices like frankincense, myrrh, or cinnamon—ingredients referenced in the Bible. It’s a tangible symbol of the Holy Spirit and God’s divine power.
The Biblical Basis for Using Anointing Oil
The use of anointing oil is biblical and grounded in both Old and New Testament practices. It was first introduced by God in the book of Exodus as a holy element used to consecrate priests, tabernacle furnishings, and later, kings and prophets.
Old Testament Uses:
- Exodus 30:22–33 – God gives Moses the formula for holy anointing oil, used to sanctify the Tabernacle and all its items.
- 1 Samuel 10:1 – Samuel anoints Saul as king of Israel.
- Psalm 133:2 – Describes the precious anointing oil poured on Aaron’s head as a symbol of unity and holiness.
New Testament Uses:
- Mark 6:13 – “They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
- James 5:14 – “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.”
In both eras, the oil represents God’s Spirit, authority, healing, and blessing. It serves as a visible act of consecration and faith, often paired with prayer and spoken declarations of Scripture.
When to Use Anointing Oil in Prayer
You can use anointing oil during:
- Daily devotion or quiet time
- Before a job interview or major decision
- When praying for your children before school
- During fasting and consecration seasons
- Before sleep for peace and protection
There’s no “wrong” time. The oil simply enhances your prayer life and symbolizes your faith.
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How to Pray Over Anointing Oil
Here is a step-by-step approach you can follow. You may pray aloud, laying your hands over the oil container as you do:
Step 1: Open with Worship
Start by praising and acknowledging God:
“Heavenly Father, I worship You and magnify Your holy name. You alone are worthy of all glory. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the power of Your presence.”
Step 2: Declare the Purpose of the Oil
Explain to God and yourself why you’re setting this oil apart:
“Lord, I set apart this oil not for ordinary use, but for Your holy purposes—healing, deliverance, protection, consecration, and spiritual warfare.”
Step 3: Ask the Holy Spirit to Fill the Oil
This is the most important part—inviting the presence of God:
“Holy Spirit, I invite You to dwell in this oil. Let it represent Your power and presence. May it carry the authority of heaven wherever it is applied.”
Step 4: Speak Scripture Over the Oil
Declare key Bible verses as spiritual authority:
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Exodus 30:31 – “This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations.”
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Mark 6:13 – “And they anointed many with oil and healed them.”
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Psalm 23:5 – “You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”
These verses show that anointed oil was used for consecration, healing, and blessing.
Step 5: Sanctify and Seal the Oil
Conclude with a declaration that seals the oil for spiritual use:
“Father, I sanctify and dedicate this oil to You in the mighty name of Jesus. Let it carry Your presence. Let it break yokes, heal the sick, and protect from harm. I declare it holy, powerful, and set apart for Your Kingdom. Amen.”
How to Anoint Your Home
1. Prepare Your Heart and Environment
Begin with worship or quiet prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit into your space. Repent of any known sin and dedicate your home to God.
2. Use Blessed Anointing Oil
You can buy or make your own (using pure olive oil). Pray over it to sanctify it for holy use.
3. Walk Through Each Room
Apply a small amount of oil (on door frames, windows, walls, or corners) as you pray. Speak scriptures like:
- “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
- “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)
- Psalm 91 – hedge of protection
4. Declare God’s Peace and Authority
Speak out loud:
“This home belongs to Jesus. No unclean spirit has any legal right here. Let peace dwell within these walls.”
5. Anoint Entrances and Gateways
Anoint doors, windows, and any entry point (even Wi-Fi routers, TVs, or phones if you’re led). This symbolizes spiritual guarding.
6. Anoint Family Members (Optional)
Gently anoint your family with a cross on their foreheads while praying personalized blessings and scriptures.
Suggested Prayer While Anointing:
“Father, I dedicate this home to You. Let every corner be filled with Your presence. Drive out anything that’s not of You. May this house be a sanctuary of peace, joy, and holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Anointing Oil for Healing and Protection
One of the most common uses of anointing oil today is for healing and protection.
Healing the Sick
Use the oil to anoint someone who is physically or emotionally unwell. As you apply the oil (usually to the forehead), pray healing scriptures aloud:
- Isaiah 53:5 – “By His stripes we are healed.”
- James 5:14-15 – “The prayer of faith will save the sick.”
Believe that the healing comes not from the oil, but from God responding to your prayer of faith.
Protection from Harm
Anoint your home’s doorposts, your car, or even yourself and your family. Declare Psalm 91 as a hedge of protection:
- “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)
This practice invites divine covering, similar to how the Israelites marked their doorposts in Egypt for protection.
Anointing Oil Prayer Points
Here are targeted prayer points you can use with anointing oil:
- For Healing:
- “As I anoint you with this oil, I declare healing in your body, mind, and spirit in Jesus’ name. By His stripes, you are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)”
- For Protection:
- “I anoint this home and every entrance. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. I declare divine protection according to Psalm 91.”
- For Breakthrough:
- “I anoint this application/business plan/job offer and declare favor and open doors.”
- For Deliverance:
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“By the anointing of the Holy Spirit, every demonic oppression is broken. I declare liberty and victory over every stronghold in Jesus’ name.”
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- For Children & Family:
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“I anoint my child in the name of Jesus. May the Lord go before them, guide them, and protect them. No harm shall come near them.”
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Final Thoughts: It’s About Faith, Not Ritual
It’s important to remember: the oil is a symbol, not the source of power. The power comes from God through your faith, your relationship with Jesus, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Don’t treat the oil as a magical object. Treat it as a tool of obedience and faith.
When you pray over anointing oil, you are taking a powerful spiritual step to say:
“Lord, I believe You are present. I believe You work through this act. And I trust in Your promises.”
Conclusion
Praying over anointing oil is a deeply biblical and faith-filled act. When you bless your oil, you are inviting the Holy Spirit to flow through a physical substance, aligning yourself with countless believers in Scripture who did the same.
Set aside time to prepare your heart, speak Scripture, invite God’s presence, and declare the oil sanctified. Use it as a channel of your faith—not just to heal and protect, but to declare that everything it touches is under the Lordship of Christ.