Training and Guidance to Bless your Dorms and Living Spaces
What did oil represent in the Bible and why do we use it today?
OSD’s Discipleship Ministries is leading an effort to pray over and bless our APU living areas. Students have been given training and guidance to offer prayer and anointing of dorms and apartments as invited. In the same way, oil was used in biblical times for protection and blessing individuals, homes, and objects (Psalm 23:5, Matthew 26:7). You might be wondering… why oil? Let’s dive into the biblical explanation of why anointing a space with oil holds power within the Christian faith.
Oil has many symbolic meanings throughout Scripture. First and foremost, in the Old Testament oil overwhelmingly represents God's presence, anointing, and empowerment (1 Samuel 16:13, Psalm 23:5) as well in the New Testament as the presence and movement of God’s powerful Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27, James 5:14-15). Scripturally, oil has also symbolized spiritual nourishment, growth, and maturity (Psalm 92:10, Matthew 25:1-13), physical and spiritual healing and restoration such as healing wounds and soothing illnesses (Mark 6:13, James 5:14), purification, cleansing and renewal (Leviticus 14:15-18), as well as being associated with joy, celebration, and festivity (Psalm 45:7, Matthew 26:7) provision, and abundance (Deuteronomy 33:24, Job 29:6).
We care about your destiny! As you can see, anointing oil was used for so many reasons, but a most special role of oil was to consecrate (or set apart) and ordain priests, kings, and prophets for their sacred roles (Exodus 29:7, 1 Samuel 10:1, 1 Kings 1:39). This was kind of like all the powerful ideas behind oil coming together to bless critical leaders in Jewish society. Priests, kings, and prophets desperately needed God’s power, healing, purification, cleansing, and more to lead the people well. Wherever you lead in your life–whether it’s in your friend group, your job, or on campus–we know that God Has created you to be a world changer. We want to bless you in your destiny!
We want you to have peaceful rest! Overall, in biblical times, anointing with oil was a symbolic act that represented God's presence and power, as the oil tangibly represented God's presence and power. Anointing with oil separated individuals or objects from the ordinary and consecrated them for sacred use. Anointing with oil was believed to have healing properties, both physical and spiritual. We long for your living space to be one where you feel God’s calming and healing presence. Whether you suffer with unhealth of any kind or are having trouble sleeping, we want to bless your space in faith that God can intervene and reside in your space, giving you sweet peace and restorative rest.
What’s special about this particular oil blend?
The anointing oil used in the Bible was typically a blend of olive oil, essential oils, and fragrant spices. In Exodus 30:23-25, we find a passage where God actually gives Moses a clear recipe for a special anointing oil. This divine anointing oil was considered sacred and was stored in a special container, not to be used for anything common. The Discipleship Team thought it would be significant to blend that same sacred recipe, as a sign of our desire for God’s divine touch on our campus.
The oil blend consisted of four main ingredients: Myrrh (500 shekels), Cinnamon (250 shekels), Calamus (250 shekels), Cassia (500 shekels) and Olive oil as the base oil. These 5 ingredients were likely chosen for their aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual properties. The anointing oil was used exclusively for sacred purposes, such as anointing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (Exodus 30:26-30), consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 30:30), and anointing kings and prophets (1 Samuel 10:1, 1 Kings 1:39). As said above, we want to anoint your space in the same way!
The significance of this blend is profound! Just listen to a few of the meanings of each of these oils, and imagine that all of these “blended” together as a prayer over your life and living space!
Myrhh = Death, suffering, affliction, used for embalming dead bodies, represents the suffering and death of Jesus, was expensive, also could help oral health, skin, and boost immune system... (in other words, although it was bitter, it was helpful to health and valuable).
Calamus = Represents the resurrection of Jesus and His divine presence (Ex. 30), sweet-smell used in worship and perfumes (Song of Songs 4:14)
Cassia = Represents the power and effectiveness of Christ’s resurrection, withstanding any environment and repels evil, was used as a repellant to drive away insects and snakes, speaks of devotion and consecration of the heart, also represents the beauty and richness of a life devoted to God, and the fulfillment of God’s promises (Book of Psalms)
Cinnamon = Prized for its medicinal properties, valuable, sweet, connected to intimacy between a man and woman (Song of Songs 4:14) and so foreshadowing the other-wordly, divine, and superior love of God
Olive Oil = Staple of Jewish life, used for food, light, anointing, anointing of kings, priests and prophets for God’s work. Also represents Holy Spirit or God’s presence (Matt. 25). Represents joy, health, blessing.
In anointing your space with this blend of oil, we bless your health, your relationship with God, and all practical aspects of your life! May God’s holy presence dwell in your space day and night! Amen.
Identity and Authority in Christ
Did you know that if you are a follower of Jesus, you have powerful authority in the Kingdom of God and on earth? As a believer, you are adopted into God's family, and your identity is rooted in being a child of God (Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 3:26). Through faith in Jesus, you are a new creation, with your old self crucified and your new self alive in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your identity is marked by redemption and forgiveness, purchased by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14). You are deeply loved and accepted by God, not based on your performance, but on Jesus' finished work (Ephesians 1:6, Romans 5:8)!
As believers, you are ambassadors of Christ, representing Him and His kingdom on earth (2 Corinthians 5:20), and Jesus has given you authority to minister in His name, proclaiming the whole Gospel message (Matthew 10:1, Mark 3:15). Through Jesus' victory on the cross, you have authority over sin and Satan, enabling you to live a victorious Christian life (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 16:20). And with all of this, you have the authority to approach God's throne in prayer, interceding for others and yourself (Hebrews 4:16, 1 Timothy 2:1-4).
It’s simple: You have authority to pray in boldness in Jesus’ powerful name! Do you know that the SAME power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you (Roman 8:11)?! This audacious Truth means that you don’t have to pray like a peasant, hoping that maybe God will listen to you. You can pray like a confident son or daughter, knowing you are loved and empowered to partner with God in His works on the earth. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that there is power for life in your tongue. We encourage you to pray boldly for God’s intervention in your life and the lives of those around you.
A Prayer to Bless Your Space
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, asking for Your presence and blessing to fill my home. Please invade my space as I anoint it in faith. I invite you, Jesus, to bring your kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy among us.
In the name of Jesus, I anoint and dedicate this space to You, Lord, and ask that You make it a sanctuary of peace, love, and joy. May Your Holy Spirit dwell here, bringing comfort, guidance, and protection to all who enter.
In the name of Jesus, I command any spirits of darkness, fear, or negativity to leave our home and never return. May Your light and love shine brightly here, dispelling any shadows or evil influences. If there have been any issues with sleeping, I declare divine sleep and deep rest is coming. I declare that insomnia, fear, and racing thoughts at night have to go, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, I ask that You bless our home with Your presence, making it a place of:
- Peace: where love and harmony reign and produce deep, restorative sleep
- Safety: where we can feel secure and protected
- Health: where bodies, minds, and spirits can thrive
- Prosperity: where we can experience Your abundance and provision
- Joy: where laughter, happiness, and celebration can fill our lives
May our home be a reflection of Your love and character, a place where we can grow in faith, hope, and love. May we be good stewards of this space, using it to serve You and others.
In Jesus' name, I anoint and seal this home with Your love, light, and protection. May Your Holy Spirit reside here, guiding us, empowering us, and filling us with Your peace and presence..
Amen.