Many members of the Church begin thinking about receiving their patriarchal blessings during their teenage years. The following information can help you understand and prepare to receive your patriarchal blessing.
What is a patriarchal blessing?
A patriarchal blessing has two main purposes. First, the patriarch will be
inspired to declare your lineage—the tribe of
Why is lineage important?
Every member of the Church belongs to one of the twelve tribes of
Who may give a patriarchal blessing?
Patriarch is actually an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, just like
elder or high priest, and a patriarch is called and ordained specifically to
give patriarchal blessings. You will receive your blessing from the patriarch
in your stake or one nearby if your stake doesn’t have a patriarch. If you live
where there are no stake patriarchs, your bishop or branch president will know
how to help you make arrangements to receive a blessing. If you are a direct
descendant of someone who is a patriarch (such as your grandfather), you may
receive your blessing from him even if he doesn’t live in your stake.
Who may receive a patriarchal blessing?
All worthy members of the Church are entitled to and should receive a
patriarchal blessing regardless of how long they have been members.
How old do I have to be for a blessing?
There is no set age. You should be old enough to appreciate the sacred
nature of the blessing.
How is the blessing given?
The patriarch will place his hands on your head and give the blessing
through inspiration. It will be revealed direction for you. The blessing will
then be transcribed so that you can have a written copy to study throughout
your life. The Church will also keep a copy of your blessing in case you ever
lose yours.
How do I get a patriarchal blessing?
Make an appointment for an interview with your bishop. He will determine
your readiness and worthiness and either give you a recommend or help you
prepare to receive one. After receiving your recommend, you may contact the
patriarch to schedule an appointment. Ask your bishop or the patriarch who may
accompany you to your blessing, such as your parents. And bring your recommend
to the appointment.
How do I know if I’m ready?
The desire to receive a patriarchal blessing should come from a desire to know
and live God’s will for you. Curiosity or pressure from others isn’t the right
reason to get a blessing. The bishop will help determine if you are ready for
the blessing.
How can I prepare?
You should do everything possible to draw closer to the Lord. Prayer,
fasting, scripture study, meditation, and repentance can help. Concerns about
worldly things should be left behind for such a sacred occasion.
What should I wear?
You should wear Sunday clothes.
When will the promises in my blessing be fulfilled?
Occasionally patriarchal blessings reveal things from our pre-earth life.
But mostly they are guides for present and future living. Because blessings are
eternal in nature, they may include possibilities beyond mortal life.
Will all the promises in my blessing be fulfilled?
All blessings are based on your faithfulness and the Lord’s timing.
Blessings may also be fulfilled in a variety of ways throughout your life,
depending on your growth, capacity, and circumstances.
Should I let others read my blessing?
Your blessing is personal, between you and Heavenly Father. You might share
your blessing with family members or others who are close to you. But blessings
should be guarded and never compared with those of others.A patriarchal blessing can be of great value throughout your life. Preparing for and living worthy of the promises in your blessing can bring you closer to your Heavenly Father in this life and help you return to Him in the next.
A Star to Follow
—President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Priesthood Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 63.
A Blessing Fulfilled
—President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Stake Patriarch,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 45.
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