Patriarchal Blessings and the Doctrine and Covenants

A Patriarchal Blessing is a sacred privilege and blessing given to worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints though a "Patriarch". A Patriarch is a male member who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and has lived his life so that he is worthy to receive revelations from God. In order to be worthy he must be living so righteously that he is cleansed from sin through the atonement of Christ and qualifies for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is by this Spirit that the inspiration for the revelations come for the blessings. Members receiving this blessing must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and be diligently striving to keep His Commandments.

Before he died, Jacob, son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, laid his hands on the heads of his 12 sons and pronounced a parting blessing on each of them. This is recorded in Genesis chapter 49. Since many members of the Church are literal descendants of Jacob, and those who aren't are adopted into the house of Israel upon becoming members of the Church, one's lineage is declared in their Patriarchal Blessing. Through my Patriarchal Blessing I know that my heritage is of the tribe of Ephraim. I am a literal descendant of Ephraim, as are millions of other members of the Church.

I remember fasting before receiving this sacred blessing. When the Patriarch placed his hands on my head and gave me my blessing, I can still remember the strong presence of the Spirit of the Lord that seemed to flood my entire body. Patriarchal Blessings can serve as a guide and a comfort to you throughout your life, as mine has for me.

How is a Patriarchal Blessing similar to the revelations given in the Doctrine and Covenants? Both were given through the power of revelation from God. Both required great faith and righteousness on the part of Joseph Smith and the Patriarch. The revelations given in the Doctrine and Covenants were for the guidance of individuals living in Joseph Smith's time, however, we can liken them to ourselves. Patriarchal Blessings are given for the guidance of those living today and often contain warnings to individuals. Patriarchal Blessings are conditional. They will only be realized if one lives righteously. I have met members of the Church who have fallen away from the Church and later claimed that it is not true after all because their Patriarchal Blessings did not come to pass. They failed to recognize that living worthy is vital to receiving the blessings pronounced upon them. Also, since we are spiritual beings having a mortal experience on this earth, most blessings will not be fully realized in this life.

How are Patriarchal Blessings different from the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants? Most revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were given through Joseph Smith. Patriarchal Blessings are given through the Stake Patriarch. Revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants were given in the 19th century. Patriarchal Blessings are continuing revelations given to individuals today.