Olive oil is considered a very holy symbol or element in Nigeria. It is so important in many Christian homes that they have become a vital part of most Nigerian Christians’ homes. Due to the interpretation and understanding of the people about olive oil in Nigeria, they have become popular with people and are used for several religious and holy practices. In this article, we’ll be examining how and why people use Olive oil in prayers and blessings.
It is also important to note that in ancient Nigeria, people were not familiar with olive oil. Ancient Nigerians were more familiar with palm oil which they used for several purposes. It was with the coming of Europeans and Christianity that Nigerians got to see and know olive oil as a holy oil used for religious purposes. Thus, the use of olive oil in Africa and Nigeria has a traceable history.
The History of Olive Oil Use in Africa
Before Africans got to know of Christianity, they were mostly African traditional worshippers. Christianity was introduced at a time when Europe had contact with Africa. Christianity came with its different forms of practice and symbols, and one of these practices is the use of olive oil.
Olive oil is a popular form of oil made for domestic and religious use in the Middle-east where Christianity originated from. For centuries in that region, olive oil has been used for several purposes. With the establishment of Christianity and the publishing of the Bible, olive oil became a vital symbol and instrument of blessing and holiness.
Presently, olive oil is not used for cooking or other purposes in Africa as it is used in the Middle East. Rather, olive oil is used for religious purposes and religious occasions. There are reasons why olive oil is used for prayer and blessings.
How and Why People Use Olive Oil in Prayers and Blessings
1. Influence of Christianity and the Bible
The major reason why people use olive oil in prayers and blessings is due to Christianity and the existence of the Bible. In the Bible, olive oil is presented as a holy oil that is used for various religious reasons, and this is why most Christians use it. For religious countries like Nigeria, the use of olive oil for various religious purposes has become so popular that olive oil is only seen as an oil you can use for religious purposes and not for cooking.
2. Health Benefits and Anointing the Sick
Olive oil has great health benefits when it is taken into the body or used for cooking. In addition to that, in the Bible, olive oil is prescribed as an oil you use in anointing the sick. Most Christians believe it can cure or ward off illnesses, and it makes the oil a top choice for anointing the sick. While anointing the sick, a short prayer is made for the person so he or she can be cured of such sickness.
3. Symbol of the Holy Spirit
The olive oil is considered very holy, and a symbol of the holy spirit. It is because of this factor that olive oil is used for anointing kings and the sick because the holy spirit is present in the oil. When it is used in anointing, a small portion of the oil is spread over a part of the body of the person; it can be the head or any other part of the body. While anointing these persons, a prayer is offered.
@joannabeckministries PRAYER TO PRAY OVER ANOINTING OIL: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we lift up this oil before You, and in and of itself it is just oil. But we ask You in the name of Jesus, Father, anoint this oil. Anoint this oil that we are holding in our hands, Father and make it the holy anointing oil consecrated for your purposes, Father, destined to bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ. Father, we ask in Jesus’ name, wherever this oil is applied, sickness will turn into wholeness, health and life. Even the dead will be raised. Failure will turn to success, barrenness will turn into fruitfulness. We thank You, there’s protection, there’s provision, and there’s restoration. We glorify You Father, not the oil, we glorify You wherever it is applied. We ask this in Jesus mighty name, Amen. In need of anointing oil or would like more information on it please click the link in our bio or visit Joannabeck.com 🕊️ #viral #fyp #trending #lifehacks ♬ snowfall – Øneheart & reidenshi
4. Protection against Evil and Tribulations
Olive oil is also seen as a protective factor against evil and tribulations. Christians spread olive oil around their house to serve as protection and ward off evils and tribulations. Just like it has been said earlier, while this is done, a prayer of protection is offered to enhance the efficiency of the olive oil.
5. Oil as a Means of Hope and Rejuvenation
Olive oil is also a means of hope and rejuvenation, and this is why it is used during prayers and blessings. It is believed that the presence of the holy spirit in the oil can serve as a means of hope and rejuvenation when prayer is offered. For people who suffer ill luck and stagnated lives, anointing and prayer with olive oil can help alleviate their situation as well.
Conclusion
There are valid reasons why people use olive oil for prayers and blessings. These reasons range from spiritual to health-care reasons. In this way, olive oil is an important element in Christianity and can be used for prayers and blessings.
