Showing posts with label Patriarchal Blessing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patriarchal Blessing. Show all posts
Monday, May 20, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Patriarchal Blessings - Talk by James E. Faust
James
E. Faust was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was given at Brigham
Young University
These firesides generate quite a
bit of warmth. I can feel it clear down here. We’ve been delighted by that
beautiful musical number. We are honored by the presence of President and
Sister Oaks; Dr. Russell M. Nelson, one of the regional representatives; the
stake presidencies; and all of you. I am most honored to be with my beloved
wife, Ruth, who to me is the most important person in all the world.
This evening I wish to speak
about one of the most important blessings available to worthy members of the
Church. I speak of patriarchal blessings. My chief reason for speaking upon
this subject is that patriarchal blessings verify the divinity of Christ and
the truthfulness of the Church. These sacred blessings also strengthen the
personal testimonies of those worthy persons who are the recipients of such
blessings, provided those recipients live so as to merit the blessings
pronounced therein. A patriarchal blessing is a very unique and remarkable
privilege that can come to the faithful members of the Church having sufficient
maturity to understand the nature and the importance of such blessings. These
privileged blessings are a powerful witness of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ
in bringing exaltation to each of us. Like many blessings, they must be
requested by the person or by the family of the one desiring the blessing. The
responsibility for a patriarchal blessing rests primarily upon the individual
and family.
About Patriarchal Blessings
“About Patriarchal Blessings,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 32
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 Israel to which you belong. Second,
guided by the spirit of prophecy, the patriarch will pronounce blessings and
may also provide promises, cautions, or admonitions that apply specifically to
you. Your patriarchal blessing may point out certain things you are capable of
achieving and blessings you can receive if you exercise faith and live righteously.
Why is lineage important?
Every member of the Church belongs to one of the twelve tribes of Israel . Those
who aren’t literal descendants are “adopted” into the house of Israel through
baptism. Knowing your lineage can be a helpful guide in your life, because
belonging to one of the twelve tribes brings the blessings and missions
specific to each tribe. The blessings Jacob gave his sons (the heads of each of
the tribes) can be found in Genesis 49.
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.
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.Friday, May 9, 2008
Understanding your Patriarchal Blessing
Here are some ideas on how to mark your Patriarchal Blessing so that you can understand the blessings, counsels, warnings and covenants within it. This would be great to introduce at Family Home Evening, Young Women/Young Men, etc.
A patriarchal blessing is “an inspired and prophetic statement of your life’s mission together with such blessings, cautions and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give.” (James R. Clark, Messages of the First President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Obtaining patriarchal blessings may provides us with some glimpses into the book of our life possibilities and give us some general direction. Wisely, perhaps, such a blessing is rarely specific enough to guide us in day-to-day decisions. Instead, it paints with broad brushstrokes. (R. Britsc and T. Olson, Counseling: A Guide to Helping Others)
Using four different colored markers, you will highlight the statements in your patriarchal blessing into four categories: Blessings, Counsels, Warnings, and Covenants.
When you have highlighted your blessing with each of the four colors, you can make a list of the things that are in your blessing in each category. You will then have a list of all the blessings that are promised to you. This can make wonderful reading when you are feeling low. The other lists can be used to help you set goals to be able to accomplish your special mission in this life. You will have a page with counsel, a page with covenant blessings, and a page with any warnings that are in your blessing.
President Kimball has given this advice: “It is true of all of us that as we progress spiritually, our sense of belonging, identity, and self-worth increases. Let us create a climate in which we encourage sisters of the Church to have a program of self-improvement. It ought to be a practical and realistic program, one that is determined personally and not imposed upon them. Yet it ought to cause them to reach for new levels of achievement. We are not asking for something spectacular, but rather for our sisters to find real self-fulfillment through wise self-development in the pursuit of righteous worthy endeavors.”
SETTING GOALS:
After praying for guidance, read and ponder the page that contains counsel and warnings. Then read the page of covenants/promises. Determine which areas you feel you can work on at this time in your life. Prayerfully select a few, and then follow the procedure for setting goals by writing down what you want to accomplish and then your plan for doing so.
BLESSINGS:
These are identified as gifts from Heavenly Father. They are not subject to any future performance in that they are given to you as a child of God. As long as your life is in harmony with the principles of the gospel, these blessings will be given to you at the time the Lord dictates. They will read similar to:
Friends and associates will be raised up unto thee in times of need…
You’ll be privileged to experience and to enjoy the blessings of _______.
You are to be blessed with the gift of discernment…
COUNSEL
Instances where counsel is being given will read:
Be faithful…. Continue….
Be diligent…. Endeavor to…
Seek…. Prove yourself….
Thou shalt…. Use this ability to…
WARNINGS
There will generally be only a few or none in this category. The wording of these lines should make them clear. The important thing is that when warnings are given, they must be carefully noted. Highlight any of these in a third color and impress them upon your own mind.
Sister, never…
Do not…
COVENANTS/PROMISES
These statements can be identified as statements where a blessing is mentioned which is connected with certain things you must do to receive the blessing. Some examples:
Thy friends shall be a special blessing unto thee… inasmuch as thou shalt select for thine close associates those who are righteous.
If thou wilt give of thy time and talents in building up the Kingdom of God…Thou shalt gain a certain testimony that Jesus is the Christ.
A patriarchal blessing is “an inspired and prophetic statement of your life’s mission together with such blessings, cautions and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give.” (James R. Clark, Messages of the First President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
Obtaining patriarchal blessings may provides us with some glimpses into the book of our life possibilities and give us some general direction. Wisely, perhaps, such a blessing is rarely specific enough to guide us in day-to-day decisions. Instead, it paints with broad brushstrokes. (R. Britsc and T. Olson, Counseling: A Guide to Helping Others)
Using four different colored markers, you will highlight the statements in your patriarchal blessing into four categories: Blessings, Counsels, Warnings, and Covenants.
When you have highlighted your blessing with each of the four colors, you can make a list of the things that are in your blessing in each category. You will then have a list of all the blessings that are promised to you. This can make wonderful reading when you are feeling low. The other lists can be used to help you set goals to be able to accomplish your special mission in this life. You will have a page with counsel, a page with covenant blessings, and a page with any warnings that are in your blessing.
President Kimball has given this advice: “It is true of all of us that as we progress spiritually, our sense of belonging, identity, and self-worth increases. Let us create a climate in which we encourage sisters of the Church to have a program of self-improvement. It ought to be a practical and realistic program, one that is determined personally and not imposed upon them. Yet it ought to cause them to reach for new levels of achievement. We are not asking for something spectacular, but rather for our sisters to find real self-fulfillment through wise self-development in the pursuit of righteous worthy endeavors.”
SETTING GOALS:
After praying for guidance, read and ponder the page that contains counsel and warnings. Then read the page of covenants/promises. Determine which areas you feel you can work on at this time in your life. Prayerfully select a few, and then follow the procedure for setting goals by writing down what you want to accomplish and then your plan for doing so.
BLESSINGS:
These are identified as gifts from Heavenly Father. They are not subject to any future performance in that they are given to you as a child of God. As long as your life is in harmony with the principles of the gospel, these blessings will be given to you at the time the Lord dictates. They will read similar to:
Friends and associates will be raised up unto thee in times of need…
You’ll be privileged to experience and to enjoy the blessings of _______.
You are to be blessed with the gift of discernment…
COUNSEL
Instances where counsel is being given will read:
Be faithful…. Continue….
Be diligent…. Endeavor to…
Seek…. Prove yourself….
Thou shalt…. Use this ability to…
WARNINGS
There will generally be only a few or none in this category. The wording of these lines should make them clear. The important thing is that when warnings are given, they must be carefully noted. Highlight any of these in a third color and impress them upon your own mind.
Sister, never…
Do not…
COVENANTS/PROMISES
These statements can be identified as statements where a blessing is mentioned which is connected with certain things you must do to receive the blessing. Some examples:
Thy friends shall be a special blessing unto thee… inasmuch as thou shalt select for thine close associates those who are righteous.
If thou wilt give of thy time and talents in building up the Kingdom of God…Thou shalt gain a certain testimony that Jesus is the Christ.
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