Do you realize the Greek word there for "oil" is the same base word used for the olive tree into which Gentiles are grafted and of which Christ is the root? It's the same base word used for the mount of Olives. It's analogus to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Now what causes the healing.
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
If you want to get hung up on some ritual go right ahead. I might caution you however. Rituals are for the pagans.
LOL. Weak dodge.
So, I’m ill and suffering. I read in James that I should call on an elder of the church for an anointing with oil (you know the kind that comes from olive trees) and a prayer to go with that anointing.
I reach out to CynicalBear, an elder in the church (right? It is a ‘priesthood of all believers’) for that anointing and blessing.
How do you anoint and bless me? What’s the method? You use olive oil, correct?
Walk me through the whole process as laid out in scripture, you know, James 5:13-18. The one from Christ’s organized church.