Can a priest heal?

[JimmiGerman]

Is it really so that a priest can heal? Or is it so that this intention also should be in harmony with God? I think that Elder Holland once has written something about this. It was to be read in the Liahona. I think that he was right by saying that a priest should be in harmony with the will of God. And he (the priest) must have the intellectual strength to internalize the suffering of the person becoming or intended to get healed and to be in that situation characterized by being very strongly mentally capable in facing God at that moment he would be speaking his blessing.

[Dravin]

What month and year of the Liahona is this talk in? I'd like to be able to read it myself before chiming in on the topic.

[JimmiGerman]

What month and year of the Liahona is this talk in? I'd like to be able to read it myself before chiming in on the topic.

Good question. It must be years ago when the missionaries were visiting me. But I think I remember correctly it was Elder Holland writing about this topic. And I remember I gave this exemplar of the Liahona (I once got from the missionaries) to a person who once was knocking on my door for borrowing some money (for drugs of course, as he was addicted to drugs at that time). I don't have any reference to find out which year it was exactly, but it might be only a few years ago. Let me try to find out via Google.

Edited October 3, 2013 by JimmiGerman

[JimmiGerman]

Sorry I couldn't find it yet. Elder Holland seemingly has written and told so much. It takes a special library to find out when it was exactly and in which edition of the Liahona it was. But I'm rather sure it's not more than six years ago.

Edited October 3, 2013 by JimmiGerman

[MarginOfError]

Priests do not hold the keys necessary to administer formal blessings of healing.

A priest with sufficient faith may possess the spiritual gift of healing.

Priests do hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and could command an angel to attend to a sick person. Presumably, the angel will be in tune with the will of the Lord and will heal or not heal accordingly.

[Traveler]

Is it really so that a priest can heal? Or is it so that this intention also should be in harmony with God? I think that Elder Holland once has written something about this. It was to be read in the Liahona. I think that he was right by saying that a priest should be in harmony with the will of God. And he (the priest) must have the intellectual strength to internalize the suffering of the person becoming or intended to get healed and to be in that situation characterized by being very strongly mentally capable in facing God at that moment he would be speaking his blessing.

I would speak to this from a scientific viewpoint. There is and have been many studies about the human capability to heal itself. One of the very interesting aspects of this reality is that a person's perception and belief is, without question critical to healing. The human physical body is so designed that it is intended to be able to heal itself and we can come to understand that outside efforts are in essence - to be effective - intended to assist and support the body to heal itself.

In scientific terms this is often referred to as the placebo effect. That so important is a person's attitude that often just the belief alone that one is being healed will alter the effect of prescribed efforts to assist in the healing process.

Jesus actually supported this scientific discovery with his suggestion that it is by our faith that we are healed.

Can a priest heal - I believe that if a person believes so then there is a healing relationship - even if the priest is of the ancient kind of what we would refer to as a "medicine man" or "witch doctor" or some otherwise charlatan.

The Traveler

[JimmiGerman]

Priests do not hold the keys necessary to administer formal blessings of healing.

A priest with sufficient faith may possess the spiritual gift of healing.

Priests do hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and could command an angel to attend to a sick person. Presumably, the angel will be in tune with the will of the Lord and will heal or not heal accordingly.

I think this is what Elder Holland wanted to say.. And priests could really command an angel to attend to a sick person? Okay - but wouldn't the angel be more willing to do so if one asked him for it instead of commanding him? ...

[JimmiGerman]

I would speak to this from a scientific viewpoint. There is and have been many studies about the human capability to heal itself. One of the very interesting aspects of this reality is that a person's perception and belief is, without question critical to healing. The human physical body is so designed that it is intended to be able to heal itself and we can come to understand that outside efforts are in essence - to be effective - intended to assist and support the body to heal itself.

In scientific terms this is often referred to as the placebo effect. That so important is a person's attitude that often just the belief alone that one is being healed will alter the effect of prescribed efforts to assist in the healing process.

Jesus actually supported this scientific discovery with his suggestion that it is by our faith that we are healed.

Can a priest heal - I believe that if a person believes so then there is a healing relationship - even if the priest is of the ancient kind of what we would refer to as a "medicine man" or "witch doctor" or some otherwise charlatan.

The Traveler

In principal I would agree, except of the "witch doctor" and some otherwise charlatan.

[NeuroTypical]

The human physical body is so designed that it is intended to be able to heal itself and we can come to understand that outside efforts are in essence - to be effective - intended to assist and support the body to heal itself.

In scientific terms this is often referred to as the placebo effect.

...

Jesus actually supported this scientific discovery with his suggestion that it is by our faith that we are healed.

So there's no difference between the healing power of the priesthood and the placebo effect?

Because if that's what you're saying, I don't think I can really go there with you.

[skippy740]

Spiritual gifts are different than having priesthood authority.

Yes, a priest can have spiritual gifts, and through faith and prayer, help heal others.

Can a priest give a priesthood blessing of healing? No, has that ordinance requires the Melchizedek Priesthood.

[Traveler]

So there's no difference between the healing power of the priesthood and the placebo effect?

Because if that's what you're saying, I don't think I can really go there with you.

If you want to say it that way - I guess I must agree. For all healing comes from G-d and the power of G-d.

Because if you are saying that G-d is not a part of healing and we can be healed without the power of G-d - what then is the purpose of G-d and his power - and man believing?

The Traveler

[NeuroTypical]

I guess I'm wondering what Traveller's Venn Diagram of placebo effect and healing priesthood power looks like.

Are they two circles that overlap, but not fully? Is it one circle? One circle with a smaller circle inside of it?

I'm not saying anything - I'm trying to figure out what you're saying.

[Vort]

Is it really so that a priest can heal? Or is it so that this intention also should be in harmony with God? I think that Elder Holland once has written something about this. It was to be read in the Liahona. I think that he was right by saying that a priest should be in harmony with the will of God. And he (the priest) must have the intellectual strength to internalize the suffering of the person becoming or intended to get healed and to be in that situation characterized by being very strongly mentally capable in facing God at that moment he would be speaking his blessing.

Do you mean "priest" as in someone who considers himself a minister of God, e.g. "Catholic priest"? Or do you mean "priest" as an office in the Aaronic Priesthood? Or "priest" as a general term for anyone who holds the Priesthood?

In all cases, I would say, "Sure, a priest can heal. Anyone can heal." But I suspect you are talking specifically about giving a blessing of healing. This can be done only by one who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. It can be done effectively only by a Priesthood holder who is worthy of the Spirit and can call down the power of heaven.

[JimmiGerman]

Spiritual gifts are different than having priesthood authority.

Yes, a priest can have spiritual gifts, and through faith and prayer, help heal others.

Can a priest give a priesthood blessing of healing? No, has that ordinance requires the Melchizedek Priesthood.

That's what I meant, the Melchizedek Priesthood. Not the priesthood of any other church. And in the first point I would agree with you completely (Spiritual gifts are different than having priesthood authority.)

[JimmiGerman]

I guess I'm wondering what Traveller's Venn Diagram of placebo effect and healing priesthood power looks like.

Are they two circles that overlap, but not fully? Is it one circle? One circle with a smaller circle inside of it?

I'm not saying anything - I'm trying to figure out what you're saying.

I guess what he means is that one depends the other and nothing goes without the Allmighty's help and supervision. Even the placebo effect depends the will of God. That's what Traveller means, and not circles inside smaller ones or overlaping.

[JimmiGerman]

Do you mean "priest" as in someone who considers himself a minister of God, e.g. "Catholic priest"? Or do you mean "priest" as an office in the Aaronic Priesthood? Or "priest" as a general term for anyone who holds the Priesthood?

In all cases, I would say, "Sure, a priest can heal. Anyone can heal." But I suspect you are talking specifically about giving a blessing of healing. This can be done only by one who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. It can be done effectively only by a Priesthood holder who is worthy of the Spirit and can call down the power of heaven.

Hi, Vort. Yes, I exactly mean the Melchizedek Priesthood. Why should I be talking about "Catholic priesthood" or anyone ...

[Anddenex]

If you have read the biography of Wilford Woodruff, he once said he performed more healings by the laying on of hands while a priest than he did while a Melchizedek priesthood holder.

However, in our time, I would think as others have shared, that this is performed by Mechizedek priesthood holders.

[skippy740]

That's what I meant, the Melchizedek Priesthood. Not the priesthood of any other church. And in the first point I would agree with you completely (Spiritual gifts are different than having priesthood authority.)

No problem. We just have to clarify because the office of a Priest within the LDS Church is within the Aaronic Priesthood - the 'preparatory' priesthood.

The offices of Elder and High Priest are within the Melchizedek Priesthood - the 'higher' priesthood.

You may have meant something general, while we do need to be more specific when discussing the functions, roles, and responsibilities within the various priesthood offices.

[JimmiGerman]

No problem. We just have to clarify because the office of a Priest within the LDS Church is within the Aaronic Priesthood - the 'preparatory' priesthood.

The offices of Elder and High Priest are within the Melchizedek Priesthood - the 'higher' priesthood.

You may have meant something general, while we do need to be more specific when discussing the functions, roles, and responsibilities within the various priesthood offices.

Sorry, now I see the point. I forgot about the various priesthood offices within the LDS church. Actually I more wanted to relate to the missionaries, as they are Elders and thus within the Melchizedek Priesthood. I know someone who years ago received such a blessing because he was being deseased by an illness. I'm not sure if the blessing was really helpful, and than I remembered the words of Elder Holland.

I remember also the Elders wanted some olive oil for the ceremony by laying on their hands, but unfortunately that evening there was no olive oil available. So they were improvising without olive oil. Maybe that's the reason why it seemingly hasn't worked perfectly... Who does know what everything is gone wrong there at the blessing ceremony.

PS But the person who received the blessing is still in fairly good constitution. It hasn't gone much worse with him and who will say this already is not a success, too.

PPS I forgot: there were conversation problems, too. The person affected didn't know exactly what the illness was called in English and the Elders didn't know exactly against which illness the blessing should be. As already mentioned, something might not have run perfectly that evening...

Edited October 4, 2013 by JimmiGerman

[Traveler]

I guess I'm wondering what Traveller's Venn Diagram of placebo effect and healing priesthood power looks like.

Are they two circles that overlap, but not fully? Is it one circle? One circle with a smaller circle inside of it?

I'm not saying anything - I'm trying to figure out what you're saying.

Actually you ask a very good question and I am not sure I can answer it. Many time I have attempted to distinguish between a person's faith and the "power" of G-d or the priesthood. What really is the function taking place? So for me there are some unresolved (perhaps extreme) questions. For example

Can the power of G-d heal someone that refuses faith and does not want any part of receiving blessing from G-d? Will G-d force his will on the unwilling?

How is the conflict between the faith and will of an individual and the planned destiny and purposes of G-d find resolution? I am inclined to believe - from what I understand of how G-d deals with mankind (for example the grand counsel of heaven) - that G-d will surprisingly yield a lot to the desires of our hearts.

The optimum is that we learn to compliment our desires with the will and purpose of G-d. But the reality is that we are more at conflict than we are in harmony. This scriptures call this conflict the "natural" nature of our mortal experience.

So to be healed - it is because of our faith or because of the power of G-d (priesthood)? Or considering a recent conference talk - Do we have the faith not to be healed?

Do we really have free will to determine anything of actual importance or are we pawns in G-d's game subject to his approval?

I am open to discussion in this matter but I am inclined to believe that G-d grants us a great deal of latitude to determine things that he would not prefer. I realize that this idea and notion actually offends many that believe that G-d is all powerful and in the end it is he that determines outcome.

The Traveler

[mordorbund]

Sorry, now I see the point. I forgot about the various priesthood offices within the LDS church. Actually I more wanted to relate to the missionaries, as they are Elders and thus within the Melchizedek Priesthood. I know someone who years ago received such a blessing because he was being deseased by an illness. I'm not sure if the blessing was really helpful, and than I remembered the words of Elder Holland.

I remember also the Elders wanted some olive oil for the ceremony by laying on their hands, but unfortunately that evening there was no olive oil available. So they were improvising without olive oil. Maybe that's the reason why it seemingly hasn't worked perfectly... Who does know what everything is gone wrong there at the blessing ceremony.

PS But the person who received the blessing is still in fairly good constitution. It hasn't gone much worse with him and who will say this already is not a success, too.

PPS I forgot: there were conversation problems, too. The person affected didn't know exactly what the illness was called in English and the Elders didn't know exactly against which illness the blessing should be. As already mentioned, something might not have run perfectly that evening...

You may profit from reading Elder Oaks' talk on priesthood blessings (Healing the Sick - general-conference). Drop down to section III to see the elements and consider which parts are under the elders' control, which parts are under the receiver's control, and what is outside of their control.

[Sojourn]

It may be remembered that Eliza Roxy Snow laid her hands on and gave a blessing to two tired oxen on her journey over the western plains of the United States in 1847 - 1850?? and the oxen got up and walked on. That Incident is recognized as a miracle by many who reported it. I see no reason why a priest in the Aaronic priesthood couldn't do the same thing.

Do people imagine that the when the prayer came before the Lord that He look it up in a book and then would say, "Nop! It's not allowed!"

That's not the Lord we know is it?

A Buddhist Monk could give a blessing and it could be recognized.

[JimmiGerman]

It may be remembered that Eliza Roxy Snow laid her hands on and gave a blessing to two tired oxen on her journey over the western plains of the United States in 1847 - 1850?? and the oxen got up and walked on. That Incident is recognized as a miracle by many who reported it. I see no reason why a priest in the Aaronic priesthood couldn't do the same thing.

Do people imagine that the when the prayer came before the Lord that He look it up in a book and then would say, "Nop! It's not allowed!"

That's not the Lord we know is it?

A Buddhist Monk could give a blessing and it could be recognized.

.

Oh, yes. But a Buddhistic monk would rather bless somebody for the Nirvana as for something else.

By the way, who knows exactly what Eliza Snow was speaking to the oxen? Perhaps she frightened them or she promised them s.th. Perhaps she threatened them with landing in the cooking pot? On the other hand oxen won't come to heaven anyway, so why should they be willing to walk on even if if it's promised to them and they know it isn't true... ähmm.... okay, I forgot they were oxen without much intelligence...

[Vort]

It may be remembered that Eliza Roxy Snow laid her hands on and gave a blessing to two tired oxen on her journey over the western plains of the United States in 1847 - 1850?? and the oxen got up and walked on.

Mary Fielding?

[ElectofGod]

Anything is possible.

The lady who touched christs garments was healed just by touching...

Others washed themselves in the river jordan? and were healed

Joseph smith healed himself

All things are done by faith.