What Really Happens When You Bless a Baby (and Why It Matters)

What Really Happens When You Bless a Baby (and Why It Matters)

A couple smiles as they hold their newborn in the chapel. Several men surround the little one, gently lift him up, and call out his name, followed by words that seem to come straight from heaven. What exactly is happening? A beautiful tradition? A cultural custom? Or is there something deeper behind this sacred moment?

If you’ve ever wondered what a baby blessing is for in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , we’ll explain it here.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a baby blessing serves two main purposes: to impart a spiritual blessing to the child and to officially record the child’s name in Church records.

The central part of this ordinance is the desire to invoke a heavenly blessing upon the child through priesthood authority. Although the baby will not remember the moment, the parents will, and the blessing pronounced is considered recorded in heaven and empowered to positively influence the child’s life.

The laying on of hands by priesthood holders symbolizes the transmission of divine blessings and protection. It is a sacred moment in which guidance, strength, health, and other specific blessings are requested, according to the inspiration received by the person giving the blessing.

In addition to its spiritual value, the blessing also serves an administrative purpose : by blessing a child, their name is recorded as a “Child of Record” in the Church. This is important for several reasons:

Primary School Placement: Upon registration, the child can be included on the Primary School rolls and participate in the corresponding classes and activities.
Belonging to the faith community: From an early age, a child is recognized as part of the Latter-day Saint community, which gives him or her a sense of spiritual identity and belonging as he or she grows up.

Now, it’s important to differentiate the blessing of a baby from baptism.

A blessing is a formal presentation before God and the Church. It doesn’t involve a covenant on the part of the child, as they are not yet old enough to make decisions for themselves. Baptism, on the other hand, is an ordinance performed beginning at age 8, when children have the capacity to discern between good and evil and can make conscious covenants with the Lord.

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While baptism represents the beginning of a life of conscious discipleship, the blessing of a baby is a way of consecrating his or her life to the Lord from the beginning, surrounded by the love of his or her parents, family, and faith community.

In the Church, this ordinance is performed by the authority of the priesthood, considered the power of God given to man to bless, direct, and teach. Generally, the blessing is performed by a father or a close relative, provided he holds the priesthood. He does so by laying on hands, pronouncing the child’s name, and then expressing blessings guided by the Spirit.

A key concept here is that of spiritual inheritance. Blessing a baby is not only a beautiful act, but it’s also a way to mark their path with divine promises, to prepare them spiritually, and to place them in the Lord’s hands from the very beginning of their life.

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For some, it may seem like a simple tradition. But for those who believe in priesthood authority and the guidance of the Spirit, it is an ordinance filled with power and purpose .

And even if the child doesn’t remember it, their parents will . That blessing becomes a sacred memory, a testament of faith, and a spiritual foundation that can accompany them throughout their lives.

Source: askgramps.org