Anointing oils have played an important part in Christian worship and prayer for thousands of years, and they are still widely used today.
They bring the past and present together in a union of hope, grace and purpose.
These oils are most commonly used in ceremonies or church services dedicated to health and healing, death, birth, consecration, and other important events.
They are seen as sacramental in nature and as holy when they are applied, whether you see them as an essential way for the Holy Spirit to work or as symbolic.
Anointing oils have been prominent in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
They originate from these interconnected expressions of faith that were forged in the Holy Land.
They are ever-present throughout the Bible and they carry a special ceremonial and spiritual significance.
Not all Christians and Jewish people view them the same way.
Some people view them to be symbolic of a spiritual seal or to specially dedicate a certain prayer or rite.
Others believe that they carry important significance beyond symbolism.
They have become a fundamental part of faith for believers all over the world.
As you read through the Old Testament, you will notice many instances when someone gives the Lord a special burnt offering or builds an altar to mark a specific request or something that God had done for them.
In the same way, anointing oils have become an important part in making a spiritual sacrifice for the Lord or asking him for something specific in our lives.
These oils have become sacred and timeless and have acted as a way to mark special moments throughout history.
They are often used in baby dedications as well as preparing bodies for burial, but they are more than fragrant symbols.
One way to think of them is as a sacred representation to set apart an important moment in time in the hearts of those coming before the Lord.
When the Magi were led to the manger where Jesus was born, they anointed him with frankincense and myrrh.
There are many other accounts in the Bible where the early church used them for a wide range of rites.
Depending on your beliefs, they might not have miraculous powers in and of themselves; however, they do play a meaningful part when it comes to sealing covenants, healing the sick, closing prayers, and sending off ministers or missionaries to go and preach the gospel.
Depending on how often your church uses them; they should always have a certain amount of anointing oil on hand for when these important moments arise.
Anointing oils aren't only found in churches, but can also be used in households as well.
After all, it is very important to pray for friends and family.
So why not have anointing oil on hand for special occasions and prayers.
Some Christians also believe that it's important to anoint their home with oil for protection and safety.
Anointing oils are readily available and produced in mass quantity.
However, if you are purchasing anointing oils, you will want to make sure to get them from a trusted source and make sure that they are authentic.
Most authentic anointing oils are produced in the Middle East, following traditional methods.
Since anointing oil is very important, you will want to make sure that it is authentic and made from pure substances.
Some of the fragrances mentioned in the Bible for the Israelites include: calamus and cinnamon, Nard and Saffron, myrrh, frankincense, aloes and the finest spices.
You can find anointing oils containing these ingredients or that are fragrance-free from different websites online.
No matter what your uses for anointing oil are, it can be a very important part of how you express your faith.
If you haven't used it before, you might want to consider giving it a try next time you are praying for someone or dedicating something important to the Lord.