The Ordinances of Washing and Anointing

In the book The Holy Temple by Elder Boyd K. Packer, he tells how "the ordinances of washing and anointing are referred to often in the temple as initiatory ordinances. It will be sufficient for our purposes to say only the following: Associated with the endowment are washings and anointings--mostly symbolic in nature, but promising definite, immediate blessings as well as future blessings."
"Concerning these ordinances the Lord has said: "I say unto you, how shall your washings be acceptable unto me except ye perform them in a house which you have built to my name?" (D&C 124:37)
"And again: "I say unto you, that your anointings, and your washings...are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house." (D&C 124:39)
Elder Packer explains that, "In connection with these ordinances, in the temple the initiated were "clothed upon" in the garment and promised marvelous blessings in connection with it." He adds that it is important to pay attention to not only the "blessings promised but the conditions upon which they will be realized."

Also See:
Washing and Anointing