Pray and anoint the sick.

By: Shaila Touchton | April 12, 2017 we should ask to be anointed when A sick person may be anointed before surgery, whether or not a serious illness is the reason for the surgery. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present. Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament. And if you are still unsure, when in doubt...ask a priest! The anointing of the sick is administered, by a bishop or priest, to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. This sacrament, unlike some of our other sacraments, can be administered more than once, especially if a person has a chronic illness. When the Anointing of the Sick is administered to a person who is likely dying the apostolic blessing is given along with the anointing and that is considered last rites, since it is, most likely, the last time the person will receive it. It is important to note that God does not always heal the physical infirmities that afflict us when we recieve this Sacrament. Sometimes this might happen, but it is not guaranteed that once we recieve this sacrament we will be healed from our ailments. It is more of a God given Grace to help us deal with what is in store for us and to help us prepare for that journey. Another important thing to keep in mind is that Anointing of the Sick can only be administered to the living. This sacrament will not be administered to one who has already passed. It is a Sacrament and sacraments are celebrated and administered only with/to the living. After the administration of the sacrament of anointing, the last rites, which is an apostolic blessing that gives a plenary indulgence to the dying person, is performed. As previously mentioned, when a person is nearing death, the apostolic blessing is given along with the anointing and that is considered last rites, since it is, most likely, the last time the person will receive it. We need to be sure that we pray in accordance with what God is doing today in the Dispensation of His Grace. When God gives a gift of healing, it is always intended to glorify Jesus Christ and point us to believe in his gospel. None of us has authority to heal a body, only the Creator does (Acts 3:12–13). That’s why we always pray in Jesus’s name. And when God heals someone, he does it for the common good of the church and as a witness to the world. The New Testament instructs us to ask God to distribute this gift for the glory of Jesus. Pray for the sick. God will only answer these prayers with good! Don’t settle for little faith and low expectations. Stir up faith! Earnestly desire this gift. With Paul, earnestly desire healing for the common good of your church. With the saints of Acts, ask for this gift as witness to the world of the gospel of the kingdom. It’s the prayer of faith that heals the sick (James 5:15). One of the clearest biblical instructions is to have elders pray for the sick (James 5:14). Praying for healing is not the sole province of elders (1 Corinthians 12:8–9), but if you’re an elder, praying for healing is definitely part of your ministry calling. Category: Healing and Deliverance Tags: Pray and anoint the sick