Oil Dedicated to Elijah (Patron for Sleep Disorders)

Description

Oil Dedicated to Elijah (Patron for Sleep Disorders)

The Elijah healing oil is dedicated to the Elijah of the Old Testament.or Elias.  He was a prophet and a miracle worker who lived in Israel during the reign of Ahab.   Elijah defended the worship of the Jewish God over that of the Canaanite deity Baal.  Also, God performed many miracles through Elijah, including raising the dead.  Also, bringing fire down from the sky, and entering Heaven alive “by a whirlwind”.

Elijah is also portrayed as leading a school of prophets known as “the sons of the prophets”. After his death, Elisha his disciple and most devoted assistant took over his role as leader of this school. The Book of Malachi prophesies Elijah’s return “before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD”.  Thus, making him a harbinger of the Messiah.  References to Elijah appear in Ecclesiastes, and the New Testament.

The Christian New Testament describes how Elijah was thought, by some, to be the Messiah.  Jesus makes it clear that John the Baptist is “the Elijah” who was promised to come in Malachi.   Elijah appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus. Elijah is also a figure in various Christian folk traditions, often identified with earlier pagan thunder or sky gods.

Consequently, it is important to Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Tradition of oils

The tradition of anointing with sacred oil is very old indeed. It is used in sacraments and also as a devotional practice. The sick person applies the oil and blesses themselves. As they do so, they are asked to pray to whomever the oil is dedicated to. The Irish blessings oils do not have miraculous power.  It is God who has the power to heal.  Applying the oil while praying are important ways for us to express our faith in God’s power. Moreover, by doing so we place our trust in God.