The ceremony is based upon James 5:14–15 ("Is any among you sick? 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 will save the sick man,....") which also recalls the anointing of [[Jesus Christ]] with perfumed or fragrant oil by [[Mary Magdalene]] shortly before Jesus's arrest, trial and execution. <ref> Mt.26.6-13, Mk.14.3-11 </ref> | The ceremony is based upon James 5:14–15 ("Is any among you sick? 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 will save the sick man,....") which also recalls the anointing of [[Jesus Christ]] with perfumed or fragrant oil by [[Mary Magdalene]] shortly before Jesus's arrest, trial and execution. <ref> Mt.26.6-13, Mk.14.3-11 </ref> |