Anointing holds a significant place in the Scriptures, serving both physical and spiritual purposes. It is a practice rooted in faith, often sought during times of illness when the body is weak and feeble, zapping strength and making normal function difficult. When an illness or injury surpasses the body's ability to heal itself, we are to call on the elders for anointing, as God has made provisions for healing out of His great love for us. This act is an outward expression of faith, acknowledging our feebleness and dependence on Him, recognizing that we can do nothing apart from His will. In the Scriptures, anointing carries various meanings and uses. Physically, it was employed for health benefits, such as after bathing to protect the skin in dry climates, or as a salve for wounds to prevent infection, as seen in the story of the Good Samaritan who applied oil and wine to a man's injuries. It was also a sign of hospitality, anointing guests on the head as a token of honor and respect, a practice noted in both Old and New Testament accounts. Spiritually, anointing signifies consecration and setting apart for sacred purposes. Priests, prophets, and kings were anointed with oil to mark their separation from the profane to the holy, as were objects like the ark of the covenant in the Tabernacle. Most notably, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is referred to as the Anointed One, set apart by the Father for the purpose of being the Savior of the world. When we request anointing with oil for healing, it elevates a significant concern to a sacred level, expressing our desperate need for God and acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of life. However, anointing is not a guarantee of healing, as it is subject to His will. Even if healing does not occur immediately or in our lifetime, it does not reflect a lack of faith. Our loving God desires to heal us, but sometimes it is for the greater good that He does not, and we must trust in His purpose and sovereignty. Anointing remains a special gift from Jesus Christ, given at a great price, reflecting His understanding of our human weaknesses and His love for us.

Throughout history, the church of God has often been small and scattered, facing situations where direct contact with elders or apostles was not possible. For such circumstances, a method of long-distance anointing was developed to minister to the sick. In this practice, an elder prays for the healing of the ill individual in the name of Jesus Christ, anointing a small square of cloth with olive oil during the prayer. The anointed cloth, accompanied by a letter of explanation and instruction, is sent to the sick person. Upon receiving it, the ailing individual also prays in faith to God for healing, placing the anointed cloth on his or her forehead. God then acts according to His will for the individual. There is no superstition or magic in the cloth, the oil, or the prayer; the oil serves as a symbol of God's power to effect His will. This practice is based on faith in God for healing, and though personal anointing by an elder is preferred, the anointed cloth provides an expedient way to follow scriptural instructions and bring requests for healing before the Father through Jesus Christ. By this method, God has honored the faith of His people, healing many ailing and diseased members of His church, thus caring for His small and scattered flock.

God inspired the prophet Isaiah to write a prophecy about His anointed, identified as Cyrus, King of Persia, who would act for God on earth by conquering kingdoms, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, and shepherding His people. The term "anointed," from the Hebrew word mashiah, means one set apart by God for His service, and is used in the Old Testament to describe kings, priests, and prophets who were often anointed with oil as a sign of their designated role. While these roles vary, including figures like David who served as both king and prophet, the concept of deliverance emerges as a significant aspect of being God's anointed. Cyrus, as God's anointed, fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy by drying up rivers to subdue nations, entering Babylon through opened gates, and allowing conquered peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands while funding the restoration of public buildings like the Temple. His decree in 538 BC to return the Jews to Judea and rebuild the Temple, along with restoring Temple articles taken by Nebuchadnezzar, aligned with Isaiah's words that Cyrus would perform these acts not for price nor reward.