Should We Anoint the Sick with Oil When We Lay Hands on Them?

If the sick person has called you to come visit him, and you are one of the elders of the church, then definitely yes.  This is explicitly commanded in James 5:14-15.

There is one account in Mark 6:12-13 where the disciples anointed the sick with oil and they were healed.  It is not stated elsewhere that oil was used when praying for the sick.  Therefore, this would seem to be a matter of preference for the preacher.

Many ministers anoint the sick with oil.  Some churches expect this of any minister who prays for the sick.  While it isn’t required by Scripture, there is certainly nothing wrong with this practice.  Oil symbolizes the anointing, the Holy Spirit, and consecration to God.  It’s not a sin to use oil, and no minister should hesitate to honor the local church’s custom of using oil if that is expected.  It’s definitely not an issue that’s worth fussing about with anyone.  Just try not to make a total mess while you’re doing it so that people’s clothes (and yours) aren’t ruined!

If you are being prayed over and the minister does not anoint you with oil, nothing is wrong, and that is not a reason to think that the prayer is any less effective.  Oil is not required in situations other than the one in James 5:14-15.