Anointing members of your family may be a meaningful expression of prayer, blessing and dedication to God, provided that it is approached with an understanding of responsibility and legitimate authority. Scripture places great importance upon the spiritual responsibility carried within a household. Joshua declared that he and his household would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15), while Deuteronomy 6:6--7 instructs parents to teach God's commandments diligently to their children. Under the New Covenant, believers are part of the royal priesthood established through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4--9). This calling brings both privilege and responsibility. A parent may pray for their children and dedicate them to God, while a husband or wife may pray for their spouse and seek the Lord's blessing upon their family. However, anointing another person is not identical to personal anointing. It involves a relationship in which responsibility, recognition and appropriate authority must be respected. The purpose is never to exercise spiritual control over another person or to claim authority that has not been entrusted to us.
The manner of anointing should reflect its purpose. Personal anointing and the anointing of the sick are associated with mashah, the gentle application of oil, while sprinkling carries the prophetic meaning of hallowing and consecration. When dedicating a family member to the Lord, the latter provides a meaningful image of asking that God's holiness and glory be established upon their life. For a child, parental responsibility provides the appropriate context for such an act. With adult family members, their willingness and recognition of the act should also be respected. If a family member is sick, Scripture gives further instruction. James 5:14--15 tells the sick person to call upon the elders of the Church for prayer and anointing in the name of the Lord. This does not prevent family members from praying for one another, but it does distinguish ordinary family prayer from the specific instruction given for the anointing of the sick. In every situation, let the Holy Spirit guide you, remain within your proper sphere of responsibility and remember that genuine spiritual leadership follows the example of Jesus, who exercised His authority through service rather than domination.
House of Anointing