Anointing another person requires an understanding of both the purpose of the anointing and the authority under which it is performed. Scripture describes several forms of anointing, and these should not be confused. Personal anointing and the anointing of the sick are associated with mashah, the gentle application of oil by smearing or drawing the hand over. Sprinkling is associated with hallowing or consecration, while pouring was used when people were appointed to particular positions of authority or ministry. Anointing another person is therefore not simply a matter of taking a bottle of oil and performing an action according to personal preference. We must first recognise what is being expressed and whether we have the responsibility or authority to perform it. God is the Source of genuine spiritual authority, and He does not call His people to act independently of His Word or His Spirit. When anointing someone for a particular task or appointment, the initiative must come from God rather than from human ambition, emotional enthusiasm or personal preference.
When praying for someone who is sick, James 5:14--15 gives a specific instruction: the sick person is to call upon the elders of the Church, who are to pray over and anoint that person in the name of the Lord. The passage places particular emphasis upon the prayer of faith, demonstrating the responsibility carried by those who minister. The sick person should not be blamed for a lack of visible results, as though the entire responsibility rested upon their ability to believe. The elders are expected to be spiritually mature and equipped to act in faith. Mark 6:12--13 describes the disciples anointing the sick and healing them through the authority entrusted to them by Jesus Christ. This anointing is a prophetic declaration of faith in the healing accomplished through His redemptive work, even before its results become visible in the natural world. For other purposes, such as dedicating someone to a particular task, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and respect the appropriate biblical authority. Genuine anointing is never about exercising control over another person. It is about serving God's purposes in obedience to Him.
House of Anointing