Blessings 101

[Guest TheLutheran]

Morning friends!

I'd like to know about the "blessings" priesthood holders bestoy on family members and/or other church members. Are all members of the Aaronic priesthood worthy to give a blessing? Is there a protocol for who blesses whom? What circumstances warrant blessings? Is this process spelled out in your scriptures? Is this something that can be discussed or is it too sacred?

Thank you, in advance, for your insights!

[djschroeder]

Hi friend,

The Manual Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood will help answer your questions.

LDS.org - Melchizedek Priesthood Table of Contents - Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part A

best regards

daniel

[Guest TheLutheran]

Thank you so much for the link. I have a lot of reading to do!

By the way, I noticed you are from Germany. I come from a long line of Schmidts and Bischoffs. Got a real chuckle when I looked inside a high school German language textbook and saw so many pictures of people that look like me!! My people come from Danzig, Lubek and Kartuzy (which I think is actually Poland.)

Again, thank you for your quick response!

[HiJolly]

Morning friends!

I'd like to know about the "blessings" priesthood holders bestoy on family members and/or other church members. Are all members of the Aaronic priesthood worthy to give a blessing?

There are only 2 blessings a member of the Aaronic priesthood can give, and in both cases they need to be Priests to do so. (1) Blessing on the sacramental bread and water (or whatever is handy in their stead); (2) the baptismal prayer and ordinance. In both of these cases, these blessings are set prayers with no variation allowed for.

So I'm thinking this is not what you were meaning. Any member can bless anyone they would like to, by the power of faith. It is not common to do so, though. Any father can give a father's blessing, regardless of priesthood or even Church membership.

To give blessings by the power of the priesthood, in all cases excepting the above two, it must be done by a man holding the Melchizedek priesthood.

Is there a protocol for who blesses whom?

If I feel a need for a blessing, I usually call my Home Teachers and ask them to come over and bless me. I did this after being diagnosed with diabetes, and again when I was diagnosed with cancer. My father-in-law gave me a blessing when I got a new job, because he was nearby.

Usually I like to give blessings when someone requests it, but occasionally I offer to do it, when prompted to by the Spirit. But usually I like the recipient to request it, as I think it is an indicator of Faith. Priesthood or no priesthood, faith is essential in a blessing, both on the part of the one giving the blessing, and the one receiving it.

What circumstances warrant blessings?

Babies always get blessings in the Church shortly after their birth; sickness, trials (like school or new job or mean boss or dentist appointment or personal conflict with someone or ....). These are almost always done by the laying on of hands, the hands on the crown of the head.

Is this process spelled out in your scriptures?

Yes, to some extent. Follow DJSchroeder's link for that.

Is this something that can be discussed or is it too sacred?

The blessings given in the temple initiatory ritual are too sacred to dicuss here, but other than that, we can talk to our hearts content.

HiJolly

[Guest TheLutheran]

Thank you kindly for your very thorough response. When I've finished digesting the priesthood duties manual, I might have a few more questions. I hope I can count on you and Schroeder.