Administering to the Sick

Only Melchizedek Priesthood holders may administer to the sick. Two or more of them normally perform this ordinance. However, a Melchizedek Priesthood holder may perform it himself. If he does not have any consecrated oil, he may give a blessing by the authority of the priesthood.

A father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood should administer to sick members of his family. He may ask another Melchizedek Priesthood bearer to assist him.

The ordinance of administering to the sick has two parts: (1) anointing with oil and (2) sealing the anointing.

Anointing with Oil

The anointing is done by one Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He:

Puts a small amount of oil on the person's head.
Places his hands on the person's head and calls the person by name.
States that the ordinance is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
States that he is anointing with consecrated oil.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.
Sealing the Anointing

One or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their hands on the head of the sick person. One of them acts as voice and:

Calls the sick person by name.
States that the ordinance is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Seals the anointing.
Pronounces a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.