Back in ancient days, there were patriarchs ordained to give blessings to the faithful who desired to know God’s will for them. One such patriarch was Samuel. We read his story in 1 Samuel chapter 16. The Lord told him to look amongst the sons of Jesse for the next king, but he should not look upon the outer appearance, but on the heart. Jesse brought his sons before Samuel, and he sensed that none of them were right. He asked Jesse if there wasn’t one more son, and Jesse explained that his youngest was out with the flocks. Samuel asked that this youngest boy be brought, and he was, to be anointed the future king. His name was David.
A patriarch speaks the mind and the will of the Lord on behalf of those who desire it. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that all things have been restored to the way they were in Christ’s day, and that includes the giving of patriarchal blessings.
In every area, a patriarch is called and set apart for this purpose. When you reach about the age of sixteen, although there is no set age, you can talk to your bishop about receiving your blessing. He will interview you to make sure you understand the seriousness of the blessing. Then, an appointment is made for you to go visit the patriarch.
It’s recommended that you go in fasting, and that you have prayed beforehand so that you might be receptive to the things you will hear. When you meet with the patriarch, he will place his hands on your head and give you a blessing, not unlike blessings you receive when you are sick. This blessing, however, is different in that it will give you guidance for your life. You will be told of special talents you were blessed with, and given direction on how to use those talents. Some blessings contain specific warnings or cautions, while others contain specific commandments for you. Other blessings are more vague, and you must go to the Lord in prayer privately to understand their meaning. However your blessing is worded, it is special to you. No one else has received or will receive that blessing—just you.
It’s suggested that after you receive your blessing, which is recorded and then written down so you can keep it, you go through it and underline all the blessings you’ve been promised, and the things you should do to get those blessings. None of this is set in stone; it is all predicated upon your obedience. Your blessing is not like looking into a crystal ball. No future is guaranteed—we make choices every day that change the shape of our futures.
A patriarchal blessing is a road map to finding the path our Heavenly Father wants us to take in this life. As we heed the counsel we are given in our blessings, we will find opportunities for greater joy and peace.
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