Patriarchal Blessing & Marriage

[Bini]

I know what I want to ask but I'm not sure how well I'll ask it in written form..

Patriarchal Blessings can reveal things that may happen IF the individual lives worthy. Right? I think I've heard personal stories (on here or maybe elsewhere) of Patriarchal Blessings leading people to their eternal partners. I have not had my Patriarchal Blessing. But with this in mind, does that mean that the Lord has a "chosen" partner for each of us if we're worthy? And if we're not, we don't ever meet that chosen partner because we are no longer worthy of that person?

I married an inactive member and he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with and the eternities with. But if I didn't make some of the mistakes that I had, I would have never been on the path that led me to him. So, IF I had been given my Patriarchal Blessing and it made reference to my eternal partner, does this mean that I've settled for less? And on the flip side, does this mean that if I had stayed active within the Church and lived righteously then I would have met my eternal partner?

I don't believe or feel that I've settled for less. I'm asking if this is how the Church views it. Or am I grossly misinformed on this whole thing? Oh, and what about people that have had Patriarchal Blessings make reference to their eternal partner but their marriage ends in divorce? .. A lot of questions kind of rolled into one..

[Traveler]

I know what I want to ask but I'm not sure how well I'll ask it in written form..

Patriarchal Blessings can reveal things that may happen IF the individual lives worthy. Right? I think I've heard personal stories (on here or maybe elsewhere) of Patriarchal Blessings leading people to their eternal partners. I have not had my Patriarchal Blessing. But with this in mind, does that mean that the Lord has a "chosen" partner for each of us if we're worthy? And if we're not, we don't ever meet that chosen partner because we are no longer worthy of that person?

I married an inactive member and he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with and the eternities with. But if I didn't make some of the mistakes that I had, I would have never been on the path that led me to him. So, IF I had been given my Patriarchal Blessing and it made reference to my eternal partner, does this mean that I've settled for less? And on the flip side, does this mean that if I had stayed active within the Church and lived righteously then I would have met my eternal partner?

I don't believe or feel that I've settled for less. I'm asking if this is how the Church views it. Or am I grossly misinformed on this whole thing? Oh, and what about people that have had Patriarchal Blessings make reference to their eternal partner but their marriage ends in divorce? .. A lot of questions kind of rolled into one..

It is my view and I believe the view of the LDS church that if you have entered into a covenant of marriage that G-d expects that you honor that covenant for as long as it is binding. If you and your husband desire to extend your marriage covenant into the eternities, I suggest that the both of you work towards that end.

I believe that if you desire that your marriage covenant extend into the eternities but your husband does not really understand the importance of working towards that end; then I suggest you pray that you live longer than your husband so you can take care of the covenant opportunity in the temple. If you should die before your husband; then I suggest you have one of your children make sure the work is done for the both of you.

The Traveler

[Maxel]

Patriarchal Blessings can reveal things that may happen IF the individual lives worthy. Right?

Correct. For instance, my Patriarchal Blessing admonishes me to remember that all blessings are contingent upon me following the Father's commandments- meaning that if I don't live the commandments, I won't receive the promised blessings (including the blessings included in my Patriarchal Blessing).

I think I've heard personal stories (on here or maybe elsewhere) of Patriarchal Blessings leading people to their eternal partners. I have not had my Patriarchal Blessing. But with this in mind, does that mean that the Lord has a "chosen" partner for each of us if we're worthy? And if we're not, we don't ever meet that chosen partner because we are no longer worthy of that person?

I think that some people have designated "soul mates" pre-ordained and chosen by God. However, I think those are very, very rare cases. I think it was President Kimball that said the idea that every person has a predestined soul mate is of the devil (I heard a recorded talk of his... A search on lds.org doesn't bring the talk up, so I'm going off of memory here).

I married an inactive member and he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with and the eternities with. But if I didn't make some of the mistakes that I had, I would have never been on the path that led me to him. So, IF I had been given my Patriarchal Blessing and it made reference to my eternal partner, does this mean that I've settled for less? And on the flip side, does this mean that if I had stayed active within the Church and lived righteously then I would have met my eternal partner?

Do you have your Patriarchal Blessing yet? Your use of "IF" confuses me- I thought you had it.

To be honest- I'm sure your husband is great, but you could also have developed a strong relationship with another, active member and felt just as strongly about him had you not made the mistakes you mention. However, as others have mentioned current inactivity doesn't mean that he won't repent and come back to the fold in the future. Faith, sister! If you repent and humble yourself before God, you'll receive the blessings you seek- with your current husband, if he lives worthily, or with another if he doesn't.

[Palerider]

I know what I want to ask but I'm not sure how well I'll ask it in written form..

Patriarchal Blessings can reveal things that may happen IF the individual lives worthy. Right? I think I've heard personal stories (on here or maybe elsewhere) of Patriarchal Blessings leading people to their eternal partners. I have not had my Patriarchal Blessing. But with this in mind, does that mean that the Lord has a "chosen" partner for each of us if we're worthy? And if we're not, we don't ever meet that chosen partner because we are no longer worthy of that person?

I married an inactive member and he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with and the eternities with. But if I didn't make some of the mistakes that I had, I would have never been on the path that led me to him. So, IF I had been given my Patriarchal Blessing and it made reference to my eternal partner, does this mean that I've settled for less? And on the flip side, does this mean that if I had stayed active within the Church and lived righteously then I would have met my eternal partner?

I don't believe or feel that I've settled for less. I'm asking if this is how the Church views it. Or am I grossly misinformed on this whole thing? Oh, and what about people that have had Patriarchal Blessings make reference to their eternal partner but their marriage ends in divorce? .. A lot of questions kind of rolled into one..

If you were to get your P Blessing it might mention something about your current husband.

[Bini]

I have not had my Patriarchal Blessing.

And, who decides when you're ready for this? I don't really recall discussing getting my Patriarchal Blessing. Just that it had been brought up once or twice and it was decided that I wasn't ready for it. What things must be done in order to be ready for receiving one's Patriarchal Blessing?

[pam]

A patriarchal blessing is to be given to worthy members. Your Bishop could help you decide when you are ready for such a blessing.

[pam]

Here is from lds.org:

Patriarchal Blessings

Just click on "additional information"

[john doe]

If you are living your life in such a manner that you would be eligible for a temple recommend, then you are worthy of receiving the patriarchal blessing.

[Bini]

Ah, thank you, Pam!

I think my husband has had his but I have not had mine. And neither of us have a temple recommend so that answers my question on that one.

[pam]

You don't have to have a temple recommend to have a patriarchal blessing. John Doe was just stating..follow those standards to work towards obtaining a patriarchal blessing.

[Hemidakota]

I know what I want to ask but I'm not sure how well I'll ask it in written form..

Patriarchal Blessings can reveal things that may happen IF the individual lives worthy. Right? I think I've heard personal stories (on here or maybe elsewhere) of Patriarchal Blessings leading people to their eternal partners. I have not had my Patriarchal Blessing. But with this in mind, does that mean that the Lord has a "chosen" partner for each of us if we're worthy? And if we're not, we don't ever meet that chosen partner because we are no longer worthy of that person?

I married an inactive member and he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. This is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with and the eternities with. But if I didn't make some of the mistakes that I had, I would have never been on the path that led me to him. So, IF I had been given my Patriarchal Blessing and it made reference to my eternal partner, does this mean that I've settled for less? And on the flip side, does this mean that if I had stayed active within the Church and lived righteously then I would have met my eternal partner?

I don't believe or feel that I've settled for less. I'm asking if this is how the Church views it. Or am I grossly misinformed on this whole thing? Oh, and what about people that have had Patriarchal Blessings make reference to their eternal partner but their marriage ends in divorce? .. A lot of questions kind of rolled into one..

You are correct with being obedient in order to have those special blessings to come about. But the desires of your soul are going to be answered, whether it is written in the Patriarchal Blessing or just between Lord and you. The Patriarch will have a basic interview with you prior to the blessing and ask several questions. This is where you need to be truthful and maybe blunt on your desires before the Lord. I can attest, it will be answered. However, it may not be written. You simply need to listen so later when you leave the room, you can write down those important blessings and compare it to your PB when you finally receive it.

Regards to interaction with GOD in providing designated soul mate, if it may had some pre-ordainment prior to the earth’s foundation and was consummate by one of our Heavenly Parents I concur with Maxel on this - it is only done in rare occasions. Yet, it is true that President Kimball did infact state his viewpoint [posted by Maxel], but as a close friend of my beloved brother, President Kimball, I disagree with him on this issue. There are moments, rare as it is, where even Heavenly Mother may be involved in HER children’s eternal affairs.

When there is a temple divorce, it is matter of one partner failed to live the covenants made with GOD. As you already know our obedience and enduring to end is the key with having any blessings come true.

Edited October 1, 2009 by Hemidakota

[Danite]

There may be some folks who made a marriage agreement in the prexistance. And President Kimball did say that all marriages were not predestine. The is always chioce in everything we do. This includes the people we marry,unfortunely some members of church have gottten this idea from somewhere. It might have come from Saturdays Warrior, but what looks good in a script does not always prove to be correct when you shine the light of scriptures on these ideas. It's chioce not chance

[pam]

There may be some folks who made a marriage agreement in the prexistance. And President Kimball did say that all marriages were not predestine. The is always chioce in everything we do. This includes the people we marry,unfortunely some members of church have gottten this idea from somewhere. It might have come from Saturdays Warrior, but what looks good in a script does not always prove to be correct when you shine the light of scriptures on these ideas. It's chioce not chance

*sings* "I've heard that voice somewhere before..it seems we've talked like this before"

[john doe]

You don't have to have a temple recommend to have a patriarchal blessing. John Doe was just stating..follow those standards to work towards obtaining a patriarchal blessing.

That's correct. Consult with your bishop if you wish to work towards getting a blessing.

[bmy-]

I enjoyed mine. If I don't live up to snuff when it's all said and done.. well.. a certain HF is going to be very displeased with me.. lots of responsibility. It's a blessing.. but with all good things there's a catch -- 'with great power comes great responsibility'.

It's definitely not for the faint of heart. I suggest getting yours though.. it's rewarding.. even if it mentions very little about marriage. I don't mind sharing a statement from mine.. paraphrased because I'm to lazy to go upstairs and get it.

'Listen to your eternal companions counsel on matters of the family -- for hers is the greater wisdom"

Edited October 2, 2009 by bmy-

[Bini]

Thank you everyone! A Patriarchal Blessing is something I'm definitely interested in receiving. Of course, it is clear that quite a few steps must be taken before I am eligible for this.

And bmy-, that is very cool! Thank you for sharing :]

[bmy-]

And bmy-, that is very cool! Thank you for sharing :]

I wasn't exactly sure how to take it, to be honest.. was it an insult? Was he ribbing me? Did the Patriarch sneak that in there himself?

It is what it is.. that's the most important thing to remember about the Pat. Blessing. It means everything and it means nothing.. all at once

[Bini]

I wasn't exactly sure how to take it, to be honest.. was it an insult? Was he ribbing me? Did the Patriarch sneak that in there himself?

It is what it is.. that's the most important thing to remember about the Pat. Blessing. It means everything and it means nothing.. all at once

You're right. It could go either way.

[Lorenzo]

My first patriarchal blessing said that my companion (who had also come to get her PB also) and I would be blessed with "righteous offspring" prepared to enter our family, and enter our "advanced years" with great faith and enjoying the blessings of honoring the priesthood and being dutiful to the Restored Church. She died two weeks later. Since then, I haven't been able to completely trust a patriarchal blessing. I kind of think it's not so much whether the member is worthy, but whether the patriarch is open to the spirit and able to discern truth. I knew the Patriarch personally. He was friends with my uncle. I couldn't tell how much in the blessing was from what he already knew about me, and what was besides that.

[allredcon]

Thanks for reminding me. I leave in December for the MTC. I should get on this! haha.