The Holy Spirit Gives the Anointing. The concept of anointing is central to the Christian faith. It represents the empowerment and divine enablement given by God. This is done through the Holy Spirit. This sacred anointing is not merely a symbolic act but a profound spiritual reality that equips believers for their God-given assignments. In this post, we will explore the role of the Holy Spirit in granting the anointing, as reflected in key scriptures such as Isaiah 61:1, Acts 1:8, and Acts 10:38.

The Anointing in Scripture

Isaiah 61:1 declares, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” This verse, later affirmed by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 as a prophecy fulfilled in Him, highlights the purpose of the anointing. It is not given for personal gain or status but for service—to bring healing, deliverance, and hope to a hurting world.

Similarly, Acts 1:8 emphasizes the empowering nature of the Holy Spirit’s anointing: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Here, the anointing is directly linked to the mission of spreading the gospel. The Holy Spirit equips believers with divine power to boldly proclaim God’s truth and demonstrate His love.

In Acts 10:38, we see a vivid example of this anointing in action: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Jesus’ ministry was marked by acts of compassion and supernatural power, all made possible through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Prayer in Receiving the Anointing

Prayer plays a crucial role in positioning believers to receive and walk in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is through prayer that we align our hearts with God’s will, seek His presence, and invite His Spirit to work in and through us. In Acts 1:14, we see the early church devoted to prayer as they waited for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Their persistence in prayer culminated in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), empowering them for ministry.

• Theme: Anointing for the Mandate
• The Love of the Blood

Also read

To cultivate a life that is continually anointed by the Holy Spirit, believers should prioritize prayer as a daily practice. This includes prayers of surrender, asking God to fill us with His Spirit; prayers of intercession, seeking His guidance for our ministries; and prayers of worship, exalting His name and creating an atmosphere for His presence to dwell.

Practical Prayer Points for Walking in Anointing

1. Pray for a Fresh Filling of the Holy Spirit
   Ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit daily. Invite Him to cleanse your heart and renew your mind so that you can walk in alignment with His purposes.
2. Pray for Boldness to Witness
   Just as the early disciples prayed for boldness (Acts 4:29-31), ask God to give you courage to share your faith and be a witness wherever He places you.
3. Pray for Spiritual Sensitivity
   Ask the Holy Spirit to sharpen your discernment so you can recognize opportunities to minister to others and respond to His leading.
4. Pray for Empowerment to Serve
   Seek God’s strength and enablement for your unique calling—whether it’s preaching, teaching, serving, or any other ministry.
5. Pray for Healing and Deliverance
   Just as Jesus’ ministry was marked by healing and deliverance, pray that God would use you as an instrument of His healing power in the lives of others.

Walking in the Anointing

Receiving the anointing is only the beginning; walking in it requires obedience, humility, and a constant reliance on God. The Holy Spirit empowers us not only for acts of ministry but also for living a life that reflects Christ’s character. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—must accompany our spiritual gifts.

As we grow in our relationship with God through prayer, study of His Word, and fellowship with other believers, we become more attuned to His voice and better equipped to steward His anointing. The anointing is not about our abilities but about God’s power working through us. It is a gift that enables us to fulfill our divine purpose and make an eternal impact in the world.

Final Thoughts

The Holy Spirit’s anointing is a precious gift that empowers believers for service and transforms lives. Through prayerful dependence on God and a commitment to walking in obedience, we can experience His power flowing through us to accomplish His will. Let us seek this anointing earnestly—not for personal glory but for His glory—and use it to bring hope, healing, and salvation to those around us.

As you reflect on Isaiah 61:1, Acts 1:8, and Acts 10:38, may you be inspired to embrace your calling with renewed passion and confidence. The same Spirit who anointed Jesus is available to you today. Step into your purpose and allow His power to work mightily through you.