To Be (Patriarch Blessed) Or Not To Be?

[mormonnewb]

Every so often, my bishop will inquire as to whether I'm "ready" for my patriarchal blessing.  Being a member of almost three years, I still have a few questions about the whole thing.  Perhaps, someone here can answer them.

 

1)  Is the patriarch really going to "tell my fortune"?  Because that's what it sounds like to me.  Now, I didn't have the benefit of being raised in the Church where this type of thing is the norm and makes sense in its proper context.  In the gentile world, when a stranger reveals things about your life (past and present), then they better have a Jamaican accent and a 1-900 phone number.  Obviously, I'm missing something here so help me out.  What is different about a patriarchal blessing?

 

2)  Is the stake patriarch someone who demonstrated a prophetic gift PRIOR to their calling or do they get this gift when they are set apart as the patriarch?  This really shouldn't matter much, but I'd have a lot more confidence in the whole thing if the stake patriarch had a past history of prophetic insights (or at least, Fantasy Football league victories).

 

3)  Will my belief/unbelief affect the ability of the patriarch to give a blessing?  In many instances, Jesus' ability to perform miracles was inhibited when the people had little faith.  Is this the same kind of thing?  I ask because I've been counseled to get my blessing despite my doubts under the rationale of "What could it hurt?"  But since I only get one such blessing in a lifetime, it might make sense to wait until I'm more convinced of its efficacy.

 

Note: For those who are offended by my "irreverence," please understand that I'm asking questions that just about any person not raised in the Church would ask.  And so if you can see beyond my lack of dignity and grace, it would be much appreciated.

Edited April 22, 2014 by mormonnewb

[bjw]

I'd like answes to these things as well. I've heard it said fortune tellers are a counterfeit of the PB.

Edited April 22, 2014 by bjw

[bjw]

I'd like answes to these things as well. I've heard it said fortune tellers are a counterfeit of the PB.

Sorry for the double post. Something must be wrong, I keep posting with numerous misspelled words, and when I went back to correct them it posted again. It might be the new tablet I've been using, I'm still getting used to it, sorry. Edited April 22, 2014 by bjw

[Bob Crockett]

Move to Jamaica and get a patriarchal blessing there from a guy who is also a fortune teller. You'll cover all grounds.

[JLHPROF]

Every so often, my bishop will inquire as to whether I'm "ready" for my patriarchal blessing.  Being a member of almost three years, I still have a few questions about the whole thing.  Perhaps, someone here can answer them.

 

1)  Is the patriarch really going to "tell my fortune"?  - No.  If the spirit is involved he will just pronounce upon you some of the blessings God already has for you and perhaps a few words of warning too.

 

2)  Is the stake patriarch someone who demonstrated a prophetic gift PRIOR to their calling or do they get this gift when they are set apart as the patriarch?

- Both, either.  Some gifts are innate, some come with a calling. 

 

3)  Will my belief/unbelief affect the ability of the patriarch to give a blessing? - Not necessarily.  If the spirit is there God will issue a blessing to you through the patriarch.  It really is less a prophecy/miracle and more of a blessing.

[Sanpitch]

Mormonnewby, I don't think they give blessing like they did in the 1800s.  My granddad's blessing said in 1874 (and I'm probably not supposed to repeat it):

 

"Thou mayest live and enjoy health and strength until Christ shall appear with his saints to come to earth and take an oversight of his Kingdom and to save that and destroy and put aside all that are wicked and ungodly."  [He was kicked in the head by a horse and got infection and died soon after at the age of about 40 when my mother was 14 years old.]

 

"And if thou will prepare thyself thou shalt be mighty and strong in the Lord, so much that the wicked shall fear and tremble and go away for fear thou might strike them with the power of God.  The humble shall rejoice exceedingly and draw near to receive thy blessing."

 

Granddad served a mission to the South Eastern States and was devoted to the church during his short live.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Sanpitch

[cinepro]

Every so often, my bishop will inquire as to whether I'm "ready" for my patriarchal blessing.  Being a member of almost three years, I still have a few questions about the whole thing.  Perhaps, someone here can answer them.

 

1)  Is the patriarch really going to "tell my fortune"?  Because that's what it sounds like to me.  Now, I didn't have the benefit of being raised in the Church where this type of thing is the norm and makes sense in its proper context.  In the gentile world, when a stranger reveals things about your life (past and present), then they better have a Jamaican accent and a 1-900 phone number.  Obviously, I'm missing something here so help me out.  What is different about a patriarchal blessing?

 

2)  Is the stake patriarch someone who demonstrated a prophetic gift PRIOR to their calling or do they get this gift when they are set apart as the patriarch?  This really shouldn't matter much, but I'd have a lot more confidence in the whole thing if the stake patriarch had a past history of prophetic insights (or at least, Fantasy Football league victories).

 

3)  Will my belief/unbelief affect the ability of the patriarch to give a blessing?  In many instances, Jesus' ability to perform miracles was inhibited when the people had little faith.  Is this the same kind of thing?  I ask because I've been counseled to get my blessing despite my doubts under the rationale of "What could it hurt?"  But since I only get one such blessing in a lifetime, it might make sense to wait until I'm more convinced of its efficacy.

 

Note: For those who are offended by my "irreverence," please understand that I'm asking questions that just about any person not raised in the Church would ask.  And so if you can see beyond my lack of dignity and grace, it would be much appreciated.

 

 

It sounds like you don't have very high expectations, so you probably won't be disappointed.

 

1. No, patriarchs don't "tell your fortune".  As with many things in the Church, I suspect most patriarchal blessings have been hammered down into a correlated "milk".  In other words, I wouldn't expect to be told you're going to preach the gospel to the inhabitants of the moon or live to see Jesus's second coming "in the flesh".  Other than your lineage (probably Ephraim), there won't be a lot of new information given to you.

 

2. Every patriarch is different, but as far as I know, previous prophetic ability isn't a requirement.

 

3. Unless you're openly skeptical or disrespectful to the patriarch, I doubt your attitude would make much of a difference.  I suspect that people get about as much out of their patriarchal blessings as they put into them, so if you're not investing the necessary amount of faith and creativity in reading your blessing, you may not get much out of it.  Sometimes you really have to stretch to make it fit.

[bjw]

Mormonnewby, I don't think they give blessing like they did in the 1800s.  My granddad's blessing said in 1874 (and I'm probably not supposed to repeat it):

 

"Thou mayest live and enjoy health and strength until Christ shall appear with his saints to come to earth and take an oversight of his Kingdom and to save that and destroy and put aside all that are wicked and ungodly."  [He was kicked in the head by a horse and got infection and died soon after at the age of about 40 when my mother was 14 years old.]

 

"And if thou will prepare thyself thou shalt be mighty and strong in the Lord, so much that the wicked shall fear and tremble and go away for fear thou might strike them with the power of God.  The humble shall rejoice exceedingly and draw near to receive thy blessing."

 

Granddad served a mission to the South Eastern States and was devoted to the church during his short live.

I'm curious as to how the church explains this, as I've heard of blessings like this before. I could understand lack of faith being an explanation on some, but you can't say that on blessings like this. Could reincarnation or a spiritual return to earth at the 2nd coming be an explanation?

[teddyaware]

Every so often, my bishop will inquire as to whether I'm "ready" for my patriarchal blessing.  Being a member of almost three years, I still have a few questions about the whole thing.  Perhaps, someone here can answer them.

 

1)  Is the patriarch really going to "tell my fortune"?  Because that's what it sounds like to me.  Now, I didn't have the benefit of being raised in the Church where this type of thing is the norm and makes sense in its proper context.  In the gentile world, when a stranger reveals things about your life (past and present), then they better have a Jamaican accent and a 1-900 phone number.  Obviously, I'm missing something here so help me out.  What is different about a patriarchal blessing?

 

2)  Is the stake patriarch someone who demonstrated a prophetic gift PRIOR to their calling or do they get this gift when they are set apart as the patriarch?  This really shouldn't matter much, but I'd have a lot more confidence in the whole thing if the stake patriarch had a past history of prophetic insights (or at least, Fantasy Football league victories).

 

3)  Will my belief/unbelief affect the ability of the patriarch to give a blessing?  In many instances, Jesus' ability to perform miracles was inhibited when the people had little faith.  Is this the same kind of thing?  I ask because I've been counseled to get my blessing despite my doubts under the rationale of "What could it hurt?"  But since I only get one such blessing in a lifetime, it might make sense to wait until I'm more convinced of its efficacy.

 

Note: For those who are offended by my "irreverence," please understand that I'm asking questions that just about any person not raised in the Church would ask.  And so if you can see beyond my lack of dignity and grace, it would be much appreciated.

Your attitude never ceases to amaze me. What follows is a description of the one indispensable element that's needed in order to make the gospel and its promises come alive:

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said... (Hebrews 4)

Without vibrant, living faith trying to live the Gospel can be a real bummer.

Edited April 22, 2014 by teddyaware

[strappinglad]

It is my understanding that the calling of patriarch is different than most other callings. Anyone on the board who is a patriarch can confirm this , but I was told that it is a calling in which the person called notifies the caller when he is ready to begin. Few patriarchs are released before death.

A patriarchal blessing is not for public consumption. We are counseled to read our blessings with some regularity.

If a person has a light minded attitude toward the blessing, I recommend postponing the blessing until a more humble approach is present.

[pogi]

Hey mormonnweb, this may be of some help:

 

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=850

[Coreyb]

Ok so, my patriarchal blessing is spot on and very prophetic. It makes a few " prophecies " that have come true, and gives advice about specific situations, some of which have already happened. I was very skeptical when I received it as well, and all this from a patriarch I never met once, and from a blessing that's barely a page long. Obviously I cannot vouch for all such blessing, cuz I've heard some crazy ones, but mine is pretty good. Also, I have known a few patriarchs, and they are the strangest of Mormons.

[Buckeye]

Bill Reel has a podcast episode on his struggles with his patriarchal blessing. It may help you.

http://mormondiscussion.podbean.com/2014/04/07/my-patriarchal-blessing-a-struggle-in-church-dynamics/

[Buckeye]

Also, if you're curious, patriarchs have a special handbook that instructs them on their office. Like handbook 1, it is not publicly available but your patriarch may be cool with you reading his copy.

[Duncan]

I struggle understanding mine, some stuff is like whoa but other stuff is borderline or beyond the line absurd, given how things turned out. It's hard to read and so to eliminate the pain I don't read it

[Kenngo1969]

Ok so, my patriarchal blessing is spot on and very prophetic. It makes a few " prophecies " that have come true, and gives advice about specific situations, some of which have already happened. I was very skeptical when I received it as well, and all this from a patriarch I never met once, and from a blessing that's barely a page long. Obviously I cannot vouch for all such blessing, cuz I've heard some crazy ones, but mine is pretty good. Also, I have known a few patriarchs, and they are the strangest strongest of Mormons.

There!  All fixed!

[Kenngo1969]

I struggle understanding mine, some stuff is like whoa but other stuff is borderline or beyond the line absurd, given how things turned out. It's hard to read and so to eliminate the pain I don't read it

I'm sorry Duncan.  That must be tough to deal with.  Not knowing the specific issues involved, it's difficult for me to address your situation directly (not to pry!).  The only thing I might suggest is that this life is the Second Act.  There is a Third Act yet to come.  Perhaps the parts that have yet to be fulfilled here will be fulfilled there.  I wish you well.

[JAHS]

The Patriarchal Blessing itself is not a prediction nor an assurity of future events. As President Thomas S. Monson once said: “A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities" (Ensign, November 1986, pages 66-67).  That's possibilities; not probabilities.

And just as the Liahona in Lehi's time only worked when those using it were righteous and obedient; patriarchal blessings are similarly conditional on faith and righteousness. 

Also God does not interfere with man's agency. Someone's blessing might state they will live a long life but if someone prematurely ends that person's life either intentionally or accidentally, God is not likely to interfere just because their patriarchal blessing suggested they would live a long life. 

The Patriarchal blessing is more like a list of goals that God would like us to accomplish in our life to help us return to Him. 

[Duncan]

 

The Patriarchal Blessing itself is not a prediction nor an assurity of future events. As President Thomas S. Monson once said: “A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities" (Ensign, November 1986, pages 66-67).  That's possibilities; not probabilities.

And just as the Liahona in Lehi's time only worked when those using it were righteous and obedient; patriarchal blessings are similarly conditional on faith and righteousness. 

Also God does not interfere with man's agency. Someone's blessing might state they will live a long life but if someone prematurely ends that person's life either intentionally or accidentally, God is not likely to interfere just because their patriarchal blessing suggested they would live a long life. 

The Patriarchal blessing is more like a list of goals that God would like us to accomplish in our life to help us return to Him. 

 

 

I dunno if I like that. If it's a list then fine. I don't like the idea of possibilties. Anything possible, I can walk out into the street and get run over or not get run over or I might hit by an flying watermelon dropped over a bridge or get bitten by a skunk or something. I think God tries to influence us through the Holy Ghost and tries to persuade us to do right, otherwise if we are left ourselves and God sits and do nothing to help us or direct us then why would I want to worship a careless apathetic God? if God is ominipotent then what would be the purpose of God saying to someone you'll live a long life, but actually know that the person might get shot to death at a young age? like what does that serve? I would be frustrated at God if my child was promised something like that and they met a tragic end prematurely. This is why I am going to do what I know to be right, have no expectations on God and whatever happens happens

Edited April 22, 2014 by Duncan

[mfbukowski]

Every so often, my bishop will inquire as to whether I'm "ready" for my patriarchal blessing.  Being a member of almost three years, I still have a few questions about the whole thing.  Perhaps, someone here can answer them.

 

1)  Is the patriarch really going to "tell my fortune"?  Because that's what it sounds like to me.  Now, I didn't have the benefit of being raised in the Church where this type of thing is the norm and makes sense in its proper context.  In the gentile world, when a stranger reveals things about your life (past and present), then they better have a Jamaican accent and a 1-900 phone number.  Obviously, I'm missing something here so help me out.  What is different about a patriarchal blessing?

 

2)  Is the stake patriarch someone who demonstrated a prophetic gift PRIOR to their calling or do they get this gift when they are set apart as the patriarch?  This really shouldn't matter much, but I'd have a lot more confidence in the whole thing if the stake patriarch had a past history of prophetic insights (or at least, Fantasy Football league victories).

 

3)  Will my belief/unbelief affect the ability of the patriarch to give a blessing?  In many instances, Jesus' ability to perform miracles was inhibited when the people had little faith.  Is this the same kind of thing?  I ask because I've been counseled to get my blessing despite my doubts under the rationale of "What could it hurt?"  But since I only get one such blessing in a lifetime, it might make sense to wait until I'm more convinced of its efficacy.

 

Note: For those who are offended by my "irreverence," please understand that I'm asking questions that just about any person not raised in the Church would ask.  And so if you can see beyond my lack of dignity and grace, it would be much appreciated.

Nope.  Not yet.

 

It will all sound like platitudes.

Edited April 22, 2014 by mfbukowski

[JAHS]

I dunno if I like that. If it's a list then fine. I don't like the idea of possibilties. Anything possible, I can walk out into the street and get run over or not get run over or I might hit by an flying watermelon dropped over a bridge or get bitten by a skunk or something. I think God tries to influence us through the Holy Ghost and tries to persuade us to do right, otherwise if we are left ourselves and God sits and do nothing to help us or direct us then why would I want to worship a careless apathetic God? if God is ominipotent then what would be the purpose of God saying to someone you'll live a long life, but actually know that the person might get shot to death at a young age? like what does that serve? I would be frustrated at God if my child was promised something like that and they met a tragic end prematurely. This is why I am going to do what I know to be right, have no expectations on God and whatever happens happens

I understand what you mean. But if you do exercise faith in God and follow what is revealed to you in the blessing, He might just interfere on your behalf and prevent you from dying from some other reason (disease or accident) that does not involve interference of another's agency. It's the same as when we pray and ask god to keep us safe throughout the day, understanding that something could go wrong anyway, but we still ask and hope it won't happen and perhaps the spirit will help direct our path to help us avoid problems.

[Tacenda]

After listening to Bill's podcast about his patriarchal blessing being nearly identical to his girl friend (?), it makes me think they don't want you to share them or talk about them because you might compare and feel like everyone else's is like your own.

I got mine done when in my 30's because no one even encouraged me to get one when I was younger. I liked mine okay, it basically said I was a peacemaker in my home.

[CV75]

"Thou mayest live and enjoy health and strength until Christ shall appear with his saints to come to earth and take an oversight of his Kingdom and to save that and destroy and put aside all that are wicked and ungodly."  [He was kicked in the head by a horse and got infection and died soon after at the age of about 40 when my mother was 14 years old.]

This could eman that he was promsied to be resurrected soon after his mortal life and thus "enjoy health and strength until Christ shall appear."

"And if thou will prepare thyself thou shalt be mighty and strong in the Lord, so much that the wicked shall fear and tremble and go away for fear thou might strike them with the power of God.  The humble shall rejoice exceedingly and draw near to receive thy blessing."

This too could pertain to this life or the next--happy to see it was fulfilled in this life.

[CV75]

Every so often, my bishop will inquire as to whether I'm "ready" for my patriarchal blessing.  Being a member of almost three years, I still have a few questions about the whole thing.  Perhaps, someone here can answer them.

 

1)  Is the patriarch really going to "tell my fortune"?  Because that's what it sounds like to me.  Now, I didn't have the benefit of being raised in the Church where this type of thing is the norm and makes sense in its proper context.  In the gentile world, when a stranger reveals things about your life (past and present), then they better have a Jamaican accent and a 1-900 phone number.  Obviously, I'm missing something here so help me out.  What is different about a patriarchal blessing?

 

2)  Is the stake patriarch someone who demonstrated a prophetic gift PRIOR to their calling or do they get this gift when they are set apart as the patriarch?  This really shouldn't matter much, but I'd have a lot more confidence in the whole thing if the stake patriarch had a past history of prophetic insights (or at least, Fantasy Football league victories).

 

3)  Will my belief/unbelief affect the ability of the patriarch to give a blessing?  In many instances, Jesus' ability to perform miracles was inhibited when the people had little faith.  Is this the same kind of thing?  I ask because I've been counseled to get my blessing despite my doubts under the rationale of "What could it hurt?"  But since I only get one such blessing in a lifetime, it might make sense to wait until I'm more convinced of its efficacy.

 

Note: For those who are offended by my "irreverence," please understand that I'm asking questions that just about any person not raised in the Church would ask.  And so if you can see beyond my lack of dignity and grace, it would be much appreciated.

These artiles should help:

https://www.lds.org/youth/article/what-a-patriarchal-blessing-can-do-for-you?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/new-era/2005/11/your-patriarchal-blessing?lang=eng

My answers are obvious: it is not fortune-telling; people rarely exhibit gifts prior to receiving any calling ('whom the Lord calls he qualifies" https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/07/whom-the-lord-calls-he-qualifies?lang=eng; the efficacy of the blessing depends on the give-and-take between your faith, the patrirach's faith, and the Lord's will.

[mormonnewb]

Your attitude never ceases to amaze me. What follows is a description of the one indispensable element that's needed in order to make the gospel and its promises come alive:

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said... (Hebrews 4)

Without vibrant, living faith trying to live the Gospel can be a real bummer.

I'm amazed that you're amazed. There is a small amount of skepticism among some here who were raised in the Church, served missions, married in the temple, have season passes at Disneyland (ie, FAITHFUL Mormons). So why would you expect that someone who lived almost his entire life OUTSIDE of the Church would find the concept of a patriarchal blessing to be so obviously reasonable?

And while it is easy to dismiss someone like me, it might help to hasten the work of The Lord if we can answer such questions for the 99.8% of the world's inhabitants who weren't born in the covenant and might be just as skeptical (but not so "silly" as to ask the question).