Anointing the Sick

“The most common oil is that of olives. It has been used to anoint both kings and peasants. But you are not limited to olive oil alone. You can use others. I would suggest that if you don’t prepare your own, which can be quite messy sometimes, and wish to purchase something from the market, say a prayer over the oil, asking [Jehovih] to bless it for healing purposes and for bringing glory to His Name. Anyone can use anointing oil. You don’t have to be a priest or minister or ‘approved’ to use it or not.” (Br. Yusef bar Micha’el, 28 September 2010)

Blessing the Oil

1. Place oil on altar or personal shrine.

2. Make the Sign of the Holy Name of Jehovih.

3. Put hands over the oil and recite: “May this oil be blessed by Jehovih the Creator for the purpose of anointing the sick and others in need.”

Anointing a Person With Blessed Oil

1. Light a single candle.

2. Make the Sign of the Holy Name of Jehovih.

3. Raise the right hand and recite one of the following:

(The following is based on the sixth and thirtieth Psalms of the Hebrew Bible.)

Form 1

O Jehovih, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy heated displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O Jehovih; for I am weak; O Jehovih, heal me; for my bones are troubled. My soul is also troubled exceedingly but thou, O Jehovih, how long?

Return, O Jehovih, and deliver my soul: save me for thy mercies’ sake. For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; and every night I water my bed and wash my mattress with my tears. Mine eye is weakened because of anger; and I am troubled by all my enemies.

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for Jehovih has heard the voice of my weeping. Jehovih has heard my supplication; Jehovih has received my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and defeated; let them turn back and be destroyed suddenly.

Response: Amen.

Form 2

I will extol thee, O Jehovih; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Jehovih, my Creator, I have sought thee, and thou hast healed me. Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave; thou hast saved me that I should not join those who go down to the pit.

Sing unto Jehovih, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For there is rebuke in his anger and life in his good will; weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

In my security I said, I shall never be moved. O Jehovih, by thy favour thou hast increased my glory; thou didst turn away thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O Jehovih, and unto Jehovih I made supplication.

What profit is there in shedding my blood, when I go down to corruption? The dust will not praise thee and it will not declare thy truth.

Hear, O Father, and have mercy upon me; O Jehovih, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into joy; thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; therefore, I will sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Jehovih, my Father, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Response: Amen.

4. After one of the above psalms have been recited, use the thumb of the right hand to apply a very small amount of anointing oil on the forehead. When applying the anointing oil, say: “May Jehovih the Creator, the Great Spirit, bring healing and comfort to you, in the name of the Father, of the Mother and of the Son.”

5. Recite Joshu’s Prayer, after-which all respond with “Amen.”