What is a Patriarchal Blessing?
Specific & Personal
Understanding Our Blessings
100

Who can receive a patriarchal blessing?

Every worthy, baptized member is entitled to receive a patriarchal blessing, which provides inspired direction from Heavenly Father

100

Fill in the blank. “A patriarchal blessing is an expression of Heavenly Father’s _____ for each of us.”

LOVE. It is evidence that He knows us personally. When we study our blessings, we can sense that He is mindful of each of us individually.

100

How is a patriarchal 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 physical copy to study throughout your life. The Church will also keep a copy of your blessing in case you ever lose yours.

200

How old do I need to be to receive a patriarchal blessing?

There is no set age. You should be old enough to appreciate the sacred nature of the blessing.

200

Can I let other people read my patriarchal blessing?

Your blessing is personal, between you and Heavenly Father. They are sacred and should not be read publicly or interpreted by others. You may choose to share it with your parents or other close family members.

200

What should I do with my blessing once I’ve received it?

We should read it humbly, prayerfully, and frequently. It contains personal revelation and instructions from Heavenly Father, who knows our strengths, weaknesses, and eternal potential. Patriarchal blessings may contain promises, admonitions, and warnings.

300

What Is the Declaration of Lineage in a patriarchal blessing?

When we are baptized and become members of the Church, we inherit the promises God made to Abraham and his posterity if we remain righteous as well as responsibilities as an heir of those promises.

300

How do I know if I’m ready to receive my patriarchal blessing?

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. Talking to your parents and yourbishop can help determine if you’re ready.

300

When will the promises in my blessing be fulfilled?

Sometimes patriarchal blessings reveal things from our pre-earth life, but they are mostly guides for present and future living. Because blessings are eternal in nature, they may include possibilities beyond mortal life.

400

How will 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.

400

Do patriarchal blessings tell our future?

Not exactly. Blessings help us understand our potential and possibilities. They can provide peace and hope in times of difficulty and uncertainty. All blessings and promises in patriarchal blessings are conditional, based upon our faithfulness.

400

Why is knowing our lineage important?

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.

500

What information is in a patriarchal blessing?

Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a person’s lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord.

500

Can my parents come to my blessing with me?

Yes, you may invite your parents to be with you when you receive your patriarchal blessing if you would like to.

500

How do patriarchal blessings link us to the past and the future?

Receiving our blessings with the declaration of lineage connects us to “Father Abraham” in the past and his promised blessings that we can inherit. Blessings connect us to the future as we receive personal, promised blessings from Heavenly Father specifically for us.

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