How often do you give/receive hands on blessings?

[BadWolf]

Sheer curiosity. There's no priesthood in this house (single mum). And I wasnt raised in the church. So I'm curious what other people's houses look like.

BW

[Guest]

Hubby offers them to our kids at the beginning of the school year. Other than that, he'll give them when someone is very sick, or really struggling with something. His dad lives nearby and he still asks for father's blessings sometimes when he needs some extra strength.

Recently our bishop told us about a time he was at the church doing bishop stuff on a weeknight. He got home late and his wife mentioned that she had called their home teachers over to give a blessing to one of their sick children. At first the bishop was annoyed. That's his job and his right! But his wife kindly told him that they knew and understood that he was needed in other places at that time, and that they had home teachers around the corner who held the same priesthood and also had the responsibility to use it to bless their family. . .and they were available.

So even when we don't have the priesthood in our homes for a time, we still have the right and means to ask for blessings when we need/want them.

[Leah]

Sheer curiosity. There's no priesthood in this house (single mum). And I wasnt raised in the church. So I'm curious what other people's houses look like.

BW

Receive them very rarely.

I'm a convert...single female. So no priesthood in the family.

My home teacher is not much interested in doing home teaching, much less anything else. And his wife complains about him being assigned single sisters.

The bishop and even the Stake Presidency have counseled me that I should be receiving blessings more frequently (I can't even remember the last time I received one from my home teacher...I would say it was sometime before last August), but it's tough when you have no one to ask (unless you try to grab some random brethren after the block on Sunday).

[Guest]

Leah, do you have the phone number of the high priest group leader in your ward? I believe that as a widow you are under their stewardship, and I'm sure they could find someone more than happy to administer blessings.

[estradling75]

Last time I received one was when I was set apart. I have given quite a few. Sick kids, kids going to school, Home teaching families, requests to be the second for others trying to give blessings.

For single sisters whose home teachers are dropping the ball the next one you can go to is the High Priest Group Leader. He should be responsible for all the Single sisters and their home teachers... So rattle his chain if you need to.

Eoywn's mentioning about before starting school reminded me of something that had happened a few years ago. My two oldest boys were of school age and I gave them blessings before school started, my daughter was not of school age and I hadn't planned on giving her one. She watched as her older brothers sat down in the chair and received a blessing. So after the second one got up she climbed up in the chair and then waited with her arms folded. What she wanted was quite clear, so she got one too.

[Anddenex]

Receive them very rarely.

I'm a convert...single female. So no priesthood in the family.

My home teacher is not much interested in doing home teaching, much less anything else. And his wife complains about him being assigned single sisters.

The bishop and even the Stake Presidency have counseled me that I should be receiving blessings more frequently (I can't even remember the last time I received one from my home teacher...I would say it was sometime before last August), but it's tough when you have no one to ask (unless you try to grab some random brethren after the block on Sunday).

Sister Leah, grab your bishop or one of his counselors -- assuming you are comfortable with them -- this way it isn't a random member, although any priesthood holder would be honored to give you a blessing, or at least should be.

[Jennarator]

3-4 times a year.

[Anddenex]

I have not received a blessing personally for some time now, except when I have been given a call.

I give a blessing to my children before school starts, and after Christmas break, to begin the new year also.

My wife rarely asks for a blessing...very self-motivated, diligent, doesn't feel she should ask for too many blessings...causes me sometimes to think, "Hello, what am I hear for, blessings are not just for our children."

However, she is superwoman -- without any magical powers though.

[Traveler]

Sheer curiosity. There's no priesthood in this house (single mum). And I wasnt raised in the church. So I'm curious what other people's houses look like.

BW

For sure I give blessings whenever asked without exception that I can remember. I seldom execute much initiative or force when I believe a blessing is appropriate. I have home taught single parent families that would request blessings almost weekly for scratches or burses from children playing. It is my attitude concerning blessings - that if I should error - I will error on the side of too many rather than not enough. Now that my father has passed I will request a blessing from one of my sons, home teacher or other I feel may be appropriate. I seldom get sick or spiritually down but I do request blessing a minimum of once a year - more often if I feel the person I am asking will benefit (spiritually) in the experience.

With that said I have also been cautious about repeated blessings for the same thing and have given council I think appropriate outside the blessing trying as much as possible to make clear my opinion as only my opinion and nothing more.

My advice is that if one is uncomfortable with requesting a blessing from their home teachers that they should ask either the Elders Quorum President or the High Priest Group Leader - or any of their councilors.

In general my advice is to anyone - if there is any question or wonder in your mind concerning if to have a blessing or not for something that you have not received a blessing concerning - then ask for the blessing. For example - I see nothing wrong about asking for a blessing for such thing as an important job interview or possible job change or job offer or even considerations concerning moving to a new house or apartment - I also see nothing wrong about asking for a blessing concerning one’s calling (even though they have been given a blessing when set apart) should something previously unforeseen arise.

I believe priesthood blessings are a good thing - good for both those receiving the blessing and the priesthood holder asked to give a blessing.

The Traveler

[Guest LiterateParakeet]

I give a blessing to my children before school starts, and after Christmas break, to begin the new year also.

My wife rarely asks for a blessing....

I love the idea of doing it twice a year. My husband and I were just talking about doing it twice a year as well...at conference time. I get blessings at that time as well!

I also get a blessing when I feel I need some extra strength or support. I have asked either my husband or my Bishop.

Now that my father has passed I will request a blessing from one of my sons, home teacher or other I feel may be appropriate. I seldom get sick or spiritually down but I do request blessing a minimum of once a year - more often if I feel the person I am asking will benefit (spiritually) in the experience.

I love this! My husband's father does not have the Priesthood, so in the past he has asked Home teachers when he was sick. My oldest son will receive the Melchizedek priest in less than a year....I love the idea that he could give his dad a blessing!

I also like your idea of minimum of once a year...after all should we not use this wonderful gift we have been given?

And I never thought of asking for a blessing because it would help the person giving it, but that is important too! I think especially for new Elders, they need opportunities to exercise their priesthood so they can get comfortable giving true blessings (with the Spirit and confidence) rather than priesthood prayers.

In general my advice is to anyone - if there is any question or wonder in your mind concerning if to have a blessing or not for something that you have not received a blessing concerning - then ask for the blessing. For example - I see nothing wrong about asking for a blessing for such thing as an important job interview or possible job change or job offer or even considerations concerning moving to a new house or apartment - I also see nothing wrong about asking for a blessing concerning one’s calling (even though they have been given a blessing when set apart) should something previously unforeseen arise.

I think this is really good advice too!

[Leah]

Leah, do you have the phone number of the high priest group leader in your ward? I believe that as a widow you are under their stewardship, and I'm sure they could find someone more than happy to administer blessings.

Yes, I am a widow but the church just lumps us widows in with the rest of the singles, who are expected to muddle along on their own. I have never seen any "recognition" by the church of my widowhood (not saying there should be, just haven't seen the slightest difference) I am just another single to them.

[Guest]

That's not right, Leah. Caring for widows is one of the most important priesthood responsibilities that the High Priests are given.

[Leah]

That's not right, Leah. Caring for widows is one of the most important priesthood responsibilities that the High Priests are given.

Just to let you know...this is not a complaint or a whine...but I have not ever heard anyone say anything to that effect, nor have I seen that viewpoint in "action". I do everything for myself (I have no family here) just as I did before I joined the church. A few times I have asked my HT for help with physical demands beyond the limits of my M.S., but...well....he's not available for that, either.

Seriously...to the church I am a "single", not a widow.

[applepansy]

I survive from blessing to blessing. My husband usually gives me a blessing once a month. Father's blessings are rarer at my age... but I did get a very special one just a few weeks ago.

[applepansy]

Just to let you know...this is not a complaint or a whine...but I have not ever heard anyone say anything to that effect, nor have I seen that viewpoint in "action". I do everything for myself (I have no family here) just as I did before I joined the church. A few times I have asked my HT for help with physical demands beyond the limits of my M.S., but...well....he's not available for that, either.

Seriously...to the church I am a "single", not a widow.

I'm sorry Leah. That's not how its suppose to work.

[mnn727]

My home teacher is not much interested in doing home teaching, much less anything else. And his wife complains about him being assigned single sisters.

That's why there are 2 home teachers in a companionship, if you are not being home taught, please Please speak with the High Priest Group Leader or a member of the Bishopric.

[mnn727]

A few times I have asked my HT for help with physical demands beyond the limits of my M.S., but...well....he's not available for that, either.

Again: Please speak with the High Priest Group Leader or a member of the Bishopric.

The High Priest Group leader is in charge of Home Teaching widows and single women, if you need assistance with something he is the person to ask since your HT apparently is not doing his duty.

Physically I am not able to do many things, but I can pick up the phone and call people who are able to assist for my families. We've gotten the young men and young women together for some projects a couple of the older folks needed doing.

I am sorry there are some HT not doing their duty, but that does not mean you have to do without. God will reward those men accordingly, but in the here and now, please contact the HPGL or member of the Bishopric, they are in a position to assist.

Edited April 5, 2013 by mnn727

[BadWolf]

These are awesome, all, thank you. :)

I looooove the story of little girl popping into the chair with toddler determination!

And how sweet before start of school, or term, major life events, et cetera... that it seems like most parents/couples work towards. It all sounds very... Grounding.

I remember being a kid & wanting to marry my grandmother's (catholic) priest, and being explained why that's "Not gonna happen." And then "Well DAD could..." / "No. That's REALLY not going to happen." I didn't start out this q thinking about the family dynamic involved (I honestly just forget about blessings being a part of people's lives, since they're not in my frame of reference)... But what a gift to be able to grow up in that kind of dynamic.

BW

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[BadWolf]

@ Leah.... Yeah. I wonder if that's just a convert thing (or female convert thing)? Its been about a year, here. LOL, I didn't even know home teachers "do" blessings. I mean, capable for sure, just didn't realize that's in their purview. In all fairness, I haven't asked, or anything. It just doesn't occur to me. Especially during hard stuff. I'm focused on surviving the moment, and then afterwards someone will mention something, and its like "Oh. Right. Call people when we're hospitalized." But it just doesn't occur to me until either the social worker is mentioning last rights (go away, lady, we're not giving up yet), or we're home safe & sound, and its apologizing for missing Sacrament. The knee jerk reaction just isn't there. Why would I call? Blink. Oh yeah. Right. Whoops. As a single mum, though, Im in the family ward. Even people who know me/ know Im a convert/ know Im divorced just sort of forget. LOL... As evidenced by invitations to "both" of us. Frames of reference colliding.

@ Traveller... Oy! You know, the ONE time you didn't give a blessing for a scratch it would be the kid with no tetanus shot. At least, that's how things work in my life.