613 Administering to the Sick

Matthew 9:35; Mark 16:1718; James 5:1416; Moroni 7:26; D&C 42:4344, D&C 42:48
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. James 5:1415

When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He "went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people" (Matthew 9:35). Although Christ is not on the earth now, He has given righteous men the priesthood, the power to act in His name. Those who hold the priesthood can give blessings to heal us just as Jesus would if He were here.

Giving a blessing to someone who is sick is called administering to the sick. These administrations have two parts: anointing and sealing. Consecrated oil is used in the anointing. This is pure olive oil that has been consecrated for this purpose. To anoint, one Melchizedek Priesthood holder places a small amount of consecrated oil on the sick person's head. The priesthood holder then places his hands on the person's head, calls the person by name, and states that he is anointing with consecrated oil. After the anointing, two or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders once again lay their hands on the person's head and seal the anointing. Blessings, counsel, and promises are pronounced during the sealing as directed by the Spirit of the Lord.

Healings are one of the signs that follow the true believers (see Mark 16:1718). Worthy priesthood holders have the power to heal those who have the faith to be healed. The person who is sick must exercise faith in the power of Jesus Christ. Then "whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you" (Moroni 7:26).

People are not always healed after a priesthood administration, but Heavenly Father will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us. He knows that some people can become stronger by learning to live with their disability or sickness. Others may not be healed because it is not Heavenly Father's will. "And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed" (D&C 42:48). Priesthood blessings comfort the sick and show Heavenly Father's love for His children.

Summary

Jesus Christ has given the priesthood, or the power to act in His name, to worthy men. Men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood can administer to those who are sick. When we are blessed by priesthood authority, we must have faith that Heavenly Father can heal us if it is His will. However, people are not always healed after a priesthood blessing. Heavenly Father knows what is best for each of us, and sometimes the people being blessed need to return to live with Heavenly Father. Priesthood blessings will bring us comfort and help us know that Heavenly Father loves us and will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us.

© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA