In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, blessings given by priesthood holders are relatively common. Members of the LDS church often receive baby blessings, father's blessings, and blessings of healing and comfort. But a special Mormon blessing called a patriarchal blessing is a little different.
What is a Patriarchal Blessing?
LDS patriarchal blessings are modeled after the blessing that Jacob gave his 12 sons in Genesis 48-49. A patriarchal blessing is believed to be personal guidance from God that is intended solely for the recipient. Getting this kind of blessing is a one-time event only. A typical patriarchal blessing includes:
- Declaration of lineage (that is, what Biblical tribe of Israel the person belongs to or is adopted into);
- Promised spiritual blessings;
- Counsel in various aspects of life; and
- Warnings in certain areas of life.
Church leader Richard P. Lindsay explains that, "a patriarchal blessing is not having your fortune told. It is a source of guidance as you grow in maturity and spirituality." All the promised blessings in a patriarchal blessing are contingent upon a person's faithfulness in his or her life.
How to Get a Patriarchal Blessing
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, receiving a patriarchal blessing is a sort of rite of passage. Most members get theirs in the teenage years, but there is no set age. A person can get a patriarchal blessing whenever he or she is mature enough to understand it. There is no requirement for how long a person must be a member of the church before getting a patriarchal blessing.
To get a patriarchal blessing, it's necessary to first request an interview with the bishop. If a person appears ready to receive a blessing, a special recommend is issued and the person can make an appointment with the stake patriarch.
Who Gives a Patriarchal Blessing?
An LDS patriarch is the person who gives a patriarchal blessing. Patriarch is an office in the Melchizedek priesthood, also called "evangelist" in the sixth article of faith. Each stake has at least one patriarch.
What Happens at a Patriarchal Blessing
A person getting his or her patriarchal blessing will meet the stake patriarch for an appointment dressed in Sunday clothes. He or she will be the only one getting a patriarchal blessing at that time. A few family members can come if they desire.
The patriarch lays his hands on the person's head and relies on inspiration from God to give the patriarchal blessing. Afterward, the patriarch transcribes the blessing (usually from a tape recording of the blessing). One copy is mailed to the recipient; the other is sent to the Church Historical Department. There is no charge for receiving a patriarchal blessing copy
What to Do With a Patriarchal Blessing Copy
LDS church officials say that a patriarchal blessing should be regarded as personal scripture for the recipient. They may share it with close family members or tell about certain portions of the blessing when they feel it's appropriate, but they shouldn't read it out loud in church meetings or public settings.
People are advised to read and study their patriarchal blessings often. They should remember that all promises are dependent on their faithfulness, and some may be fulfilled in the afterlife rather than in this lifetime.
Patriarchal blessings are a unique function of select priesthood holders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An LDS blessing from the stake patriarch includes a declaration of lineage, promises, and words of advice and caution. They are believed to be private and shared only sparingly with others.
Other related articles on Mormonism include:
- Confusing Mormon Vocabulary Words - This article serves as a concise LDS dictionary containing definitions for the most often misunderstood words and phrases used by Latter-day Saints.
- First Four Principles of Mormonism - This article provides an explanation of the four basic building blacks of Mormon faith.
Source:
Richard P. Lindsay, “Chart Your Course by It,” New Era, September 1990.
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