Post by Honeylioness on Sept 27, 2011 14:29:59 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 23 Sep 2011 at 9:47am
azmom [/b]- I am not sure if other will understand this - but I am thinking you would especially. While the girls were downstairs feeding the cats last night I went into their room with my chrism and blessed salt and did a reinforcement of the shields I normally place on the students' room. My radar, and that of my adviser, has been telling us that there is another dimension to what is going on.
mizbear -23 Sep 2011 at 1:36pm
Honey-[/b] Hope everything goes well. Would you explain a bit about the chrism and blessed salt? I know about Holy Water because there are Catholics in the family, but I hadn't heard of blessed salt. I like learning about others traditions and beliefs.
*******************************************
The other night I was asked a post a made to my WIR group regarding my using a chrism and blessed salt to anoint and bless the room my exchange students are using. Before I can really address this I thought it would be helpful to give some background on these items and their use.
I have copied these definitions from various Catholic and Evangelical websites as I thought they did a good concise job of explaining the background and use of these two sacramental items.
Chrism (Greek word literally meaning "an anointing"), also called "Myrrh" (Myron), Holy anointing oil, or "Consecrated Oil", is a consecrated oil. Pure or scented olive oil, typically in a solid form scented with myrrh. Mine is in a small plastic container that I carry in my purse.
Blessed salt is an instrument of grace to preserve one from the corruption of evil occurring as sin, sickness, demonic influence, etc.
As in the case of all sacramental, its power comes not from the sign itself, but by means of the Church's official (liturgical, not private) prayer of blessing -- a power the Church derives from Christ Himself. (see Matt. 16:19 and 18:18). Sacramental like blessed salt, holy water, medals, etc., are not to be used superstitiously as having self-contained power, but as 'focus points' funneling ones faith toward Jesus, just as a flag is used as a focus point of patriotism, or as handkerchiefs were used to focus faith for healing and deliverance (Acts 19:12).
Thus, used non-superstitiously, modest amounts of blessed salt may be sprinkled in ones bedroom, or across thresholds to prevent burglary, in cars for safety, etc. As with the use of Sacraments, much depends on the faith and devotion of the person using salt or any sacramental. This faith must be Jesus-centered, as was the faith of the blind man in John 9; he had faith in Jesus, not in the mud and spittle used by Jesus to heal him.
Salt may also be blessed for us as a sacramental, using the same prayer as is used during the preparation of holy water. This salt may be sprinkled in a room, or across a threshold, or in other places as a invocation of divine protection. It may also be consumed.
Salt in the ancient world was a precious commodity (even monopolized by the royalty in Egypt and Persia). Roman soldiers were partially paid with packets of salt ("sal" in Latin); this was the origin of our word "salary" and of phrases like "worth his salt," etc. Being costly, it was an appropriate offering to God as a "covenant of salt" (Lev. 2:13; II Chron. 13:5; Num. 18:19) used in sacrifices by the Israelites (Ezck. 43:24) and for the accompanying sacrificial meal (Gen. 31:54).
Belief in its preservative and healing properties led to its use to dry and harden the skin of newborns (Ezek. 16:4) and to prevent umbilical cord infection. Used for 3500 years to preserve meats from deterioration, it became a symbol of preservation and spiritual incorruptibility that was to characterize anyone offering sacrificial worship. Shared at the sacrificial meal, salt became a symbol of friendship and hospitality, custom-symbol still used today in Arab culture. Jesus referred to this salt symbolized friendship covenant in Mark 9:50: "Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another" that is. "preserve that quality (flavor) that makes you a blessing to one another." (Note the double symbol of preservation and flavoring.)
While I was growing up my family attended various denominations, depending upon where we were living and following my mother's lead at that time.
In the late 1970s we were attending an Assemblies of God church that had a wonderful pastor. His teachings on scripture and it's relevance to current times and the lives we led were engrossing - so much so that most young adults, like myself, would rather be in the sanctuary for his preaching then in a youth class elsewhere. During the time we were there I learned not just about God our Father, and Jesus His son, but The Holy Spirit. Up until this point the Spirit was just something I had hear about lumped in with the Trinity - but did not really understand the Spirit's function and blessings. While I was still in high school I had a re-awakening of my faith, and chose to be baptized by immersion. Not because, as the pastor explained, that my first baptism when I was an infant was not "real" - but I felt the need to make a public re-dedication as a young adult. A choice I made to confirm my beliefs.
This church also taught on the what many consider a Charismatic practice of seeking, and asking for, the Gifts of the Spirit. A full list and explanation of the gifts can be found here: bible.org/article/gifts-spirit
I was blessed with a few gifts: Tongues (or a prayer language), Prophesy, Service and Administration. Though I have been blessed and privileged to have been present to see some amazing workings of God.
Around 1980 we started attending St. Luke's Episcopal in a suburb of Seattle. This I felt was my first true spiritual home. It combined the historical liturgy of the Church with an open acceptance of the Charismatic teachings and gifts. It was the home church of Fr. Dennis Bennett who is considered the father of the Charismatic Movement in the Anglican church. During the years I was there I was able to grow more fully into my faith, I was consecrated into the church body, participated in numerous retreats and bible studies and was licensed as a Lay Reader, with the training and approval of my bishop to administer the blessed sacrament of Eucharist to those who could not attend church but wanted to partake of Communion.
I have had several chrisms in my possession for years. I have used them to "seal" doorways of new homes before I moved in, so that if previous occupants had welcomed, or allowed, harmful spirits or influences they would be spiritually "evicted".
That is the basis for what I did the other evening. The level of hostility and problems I have had from the one girl in particular over the last month seems to be all out of proportion to the situations at hand. Besides, in my experience praying about something can't really hurt. So as I prayed over the room using my prayer language I first made the sign of the cross with the oil on the side jams of the doorway and the header. Similar to what the Israelites did during Passover to keep the spirit of destruction out of their homes. Then as I prayed for protection and blessing even into the corners of the room I gently tossed some of my blessed salt into the corners of the room, under the bed and where ever else I felt led to do so.
When I have performed these prayers and rituals in any new home I have I find we sleep better, feel better and there is less contention between the occupants. While I had done this before the girls arrived this time, as I do before each exchange year, I do believe that some people, whether they mean to or not, bring "visitors" with them that could hitchhike into my home. This is my way of giving these negative spirits their walking papers.
azmom [/b]- I am not sure if other will understand this - but I am thinking you would especially. While the girls were downstairs feeding the cats last night I went into their room with my chrism and blessed salt and did a reinforcement of the shields I normally place on the students' room. My radar, and that of my adviser, has been telling us that there is another dimension to what is going on.
mizbear -23 Sep 2011 at 1:36pm
Honey-[/b] Hope everything goes well. Would you explain a bit about the chrism and blessed salt? I know about Holy Water because there are Catholics in the family, but I hadn't heard of blessed salt. I like learning about others traditions and beliefs.
*******************************************
The other night I was asked a post a made to my WIR group regarding my using a chrism and blessed salt to anoint and bless the room my exchange students are using. Before I can really address this I thought it would be helpful to give some background on these items and their use.
I have copied these definitions from various Catholic and Evangelical websites as I thought they did a good concise job of explaining the background and use of these two sacramental items.
Chrism (Greek word literally meaning "an anointing"), also called "Myrrh" (Myron), Holy anointing oil, or "Consecrated Oil", is a consecrated oil. Pure or scented olive oil, typically in a solid form scented with myrrh. Mine is in a small plastic container that I carry in my purse.
Blessed salt is an instrument of grace to preserve one from the corruption of evil occurring as sin, sickness, demonic influence, etc.
As in the case of all sacramental, its power comes not from the sign itself, but by means of the Church's official (liturgical, not private) prayer of blessing -- a power the Church derives from Christ Himself. (see Matt. 16:19 and 18:18). Sacramental like blessed salt, holy water, medals, etc., are not to be used superstitiously as having self-contained power, but as 'focus points' funneling ones faith toward Jesus, just as a flag is used as a focus point of patriotism, or as handkerchiefs were used to focus faith for healing and deliverance (Acts 19:12).
Thus, used non-superstitiously, modest amounts of blessed salt may be sprinkled in ones bedroom, or across thresholds to prevent burglary, in cars for safety, etc. As with the use of Sacraments, much depends on the faith and devotion of the person using salt or any sacramental. This faith must be Jesus-centered, as was the faith of the blind man in John 9; he had faith in Jesus, not in the mud and spittle used by Jesus to heal him.
Salt may also be blessed for us as a sacramental, using the same prayer as is used during the preparation of holy water. This salt may be sprinkled in a room, or across a threshold, or in other places as a invocation of divine protection. It may also be consumed.
Salt in the ancient world was a precious commodity (even monopolized by the royalty in Egypt and Persia). Roman soldiers were partially paid with packets of salt ("sal" in Latin); this was the origin of our word "salary" and of phrases like "worth his salt," etc. Being costly, it was an appropriate offering to God as a "covenant of salt" (Lev. 2:13; II Chron. 13:5; Num. 18:19) used in sacrifices by the Israelites (Ezck. 43:24) and for the accompanying sacrificial meal (Gen. 31:54).
Belief in its preservative and healing properties led to its use to dry and harden the skin of newborns (Ezek. 16:4) and to prevent umbilical cord infection. Used for 3500 years to preserve meats from deterioration, it became a symbol of preservation and spiritual incorruptibility that was to characterize anyone offering sacrificial worship. Shared at the sacrificial meal, salt became a symbol of friendship and hospitality, custom-symbol still used today in Arab culture. Jesus referred to this salt symbolized friendship covenant in Mark 9:50: "Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another" that is. "preserve that quality (flavor) that makes you a blessing to one another." (Note the double symbol of preservation and flavoring.)
While I was growing up my family attended various denominations, depending upon where we were living and following my mother's lead at that time.
In the late 1970s we were attending an Assemblies of God church that had a wonderful pastor. His teachings on scripture and it's relevance to current times and the lives we led were engrossing - so much so that most young adults, like myself, would rather be in the sanctuary for his preaching then in a youth class elsewhere. During the time we were there I learned not just about God our Father, and Jesus His son, but The Holy Spirit. Up until this point the Spirit was just something I had hear about lumped in with the Trinity - but did not really understand the Spirit's function and blessings. While I was still in high school I had a re-awakening of my faith, and chose to be baptized by immersion. Not because, as the pastor explained, that my first baptism when I was an infant was not "real" - but I felt the need to make a public re-dedication as a young adult. A choice I made to confirm my beliefs.
This church also taught on the what many consider a Charismatic practice of seeking, and asking for, the Gifts of the Spirit. A full list and explanation of the gifts can be found here: bible.org/article/gifts-spirit
I was blessed with a few gifts: Tongues (or a prayer language), Prophesy, Service and Administration. Though I have been blessed and privileged to have been present to see some amazing workings of God.
Around 1980 we started attending St. Luke's Episcopal in a suburb of Seattle. This I felt was my first true spiritual home. It combined the historical liturgy of the Church with an open acceptance of the Charismatic teachings and gifts. It was the home church of Fr. Dennis Bennett who is considered the father of the Charismatic Movement in the Anglican church. During the years I was there I was able to grow more fully into my faith, I was consecrated into the church body, participated in numerous retreats and bible studies and was licensed as a Lay Reader, with the training and approval of my bishop to administer the blessed sacrament of Eucharist to those who could not attend church but wanted to partake of Communion.
I have had several chrisms in my possession for years. I have used them to "seal" doorways of new homes before I moved in, so that if previous occupants had welcomed, or allowed, harmful spirits or influences they would be spiritually "evicted".
That is the basis for what I did the other evening. The level of hostility and problems I have had from the one girl in particular over the last month seems to be all out of proportion to the situations at hand. Besides, in my experience praying about something can't really hurt. So as I prayed over the room using my prayer language I first made the sign of the cross with the oil on the side jams of the doorway and the header. Similar to what the Israelites did during Passover to keep the spirit of destruction out of their homes. Then as I prayed for protection and blessing even into the corners of the room I gently tossed some of my blessed salt into the corners of the room, under the bed and where ever else I felt led to do so.
When I have performed these prayers and rituals in any new home I have I find we sleep better, feel better and there is less contention between the occupants. While I had done this before the girls arrived this time, as I do before each exchange year, I do believe that some people, whether they mean to or not, bring "visitors" with them that could hitchhike into my home. This is my way of giving these negative spirits their walking papers.