The Anointing, April 13
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14 NIV).
I came to the hospital to visit Mr. Coble, one of the oldest members of the church where I served as pastor. Over the past few years, he had endured a long cancer battle. Nearing the end of his life, his family asked that I come pray and anoint him with holy oil.
Having grown up in the church, the family was familiar with the practice of praying for the sick and anointing them with holy oil. They hoped it would provide Mr. Coble comfort, peace, and healing.
The family members and I encircled Mr. Coble. I assured everyone that God’s healing would come. It might be physical. It might be spiritual, or something else. We could trust God to heal in the ways most needed.
I read aloud these words from James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15 NIV).
We prayed. We gave thanks to God for His presence and love, and for Mr. Coble. We prayed for his healing and wholeness. Finally, I prayed for God to bless the oil.
I placed a drop of oil onto my fingertip, and with it marked a cross on Mr. Coble’s forehead. As I did, I spoke softly, “I anoint you with oil in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” I placed my hand on top of his head and prayed again.
The oil is a mixture of olive oil, frankincense and myrrh, and other spices. There is something special about the fragrance filling the air and the oil soaking into your skin. The scent reminds you that God is with you and in you, giving you everything you need.
As I proceeded to close the small vial of oil, it slipped out of my hands. The vial rolled down Mr. Coble’s hospital gown, bounced off the bed railing, slid across the table, and landed on the floor, where it spun like a top, emptying the remaining oil onto the floor.
We watched in stunned silence … until the family burst out laughing. Mr. Coble grinned and tried to laugh. I rushed to find a towel and began to wipe off the floor. A nurse came to help. By the time we finished, the entire room smelled of frankincense and myrrh.
Although embarrassing, God used my clumsiness for good. The fragrance provided a lasting reminder to Mr. Coble that God was with him in his hospital room and every moment of his cancer journey.
I encourage you to call the church and ask for prayers and anointing with holy oil, at any stage of your cancer experience. Ask God often to anoint you with the Holy Spirit. God is with you and loves you!
Pray: Lord, help me find and ask Christians to pray for me and to anoint me with holy oil. Thank You for each person who reminds me of Your presence and love. Most of all, I ask You to send and anoint me with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Your Turn: Listen to the song “Here Again” by Elevation Worship. Take a moment to be aware of God’s presence in this place, to remember God’s goodness in your life until this very day, and to ask for His loving assistance again today.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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