Why Bother With A Patriarchal Blessing?

[Duncan]

As subject that interests me and I am trying to keep an open mind about it but why bother getting a Patriarchal Blessing? Why not just live by revelation that you get in your own life and keep the commandments of the Lord? Par example, read your scriptures, say your prayers, marry a member in the Temple, be righteous-all these things you hear at Church why get a blessing that says it? Why not just live by revelation you get in life like my Mum's RS Pres. believe's she was told not to bother with dating because she'll never find a man in this life, so she doesn't date, why would she need a blessing to tell her that, if God told her another way? Also with this lineage business, I get that we are of the House of Israel but I don't live my life any different than my two friends who are of a different tribe, like what's the thing about declaring what tribe you are in? is it equivalent to know that me Mum's favourite show in university was the Lawrence Welk Show? like that's neat but doesn't make any difference in my life-like why bother telling what lineage you are from?

[nosmelone]

This is a very valid question.  I have a brother in law who is a recent convert who is iffy about getting his in fear he won't be able to live up to it....and that is understandable.  My wives uncle has an amazing blessing and has lived his life completely contrary to it and unfortunately the family seems to bring this up quite often and it may be the cause of some of my brother in laws fears. 

 

With that said I feel that my own blessing has given me something to strive for and a place to look for council and comfort (almost like a small additional scripture meant for me).  I think that you could live your life fully and completely satisfactory without one...and many have.  So I feel that it is something that is completely up to you on an individual basis if you feel it is important or not.  I absolutely love mine and refer to it often even though its extremely vague and somewhat boring. LOL.   

[Freedom]

Having been a witness to 4 such blessings, I can tell you that they are of a very profound and sacred nature. Truths are relieved that only God could know. It is a small glimpse into the eternities, your own personal set of scripture. Words cannot describe how penetrating and divine the blessing is.  

[HappyJackWagon]

I've specifically asked my stake patriarch why lineage matters if we're all adopted into the posterity of Abraham. He admitted that it doesn't make any meaningful difference.

 

Quotes from LDS.org - Patriarchal Blessings https://www.lds.org/topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng

 

It does not matter if a person's lineage in the house of Israel is through bloodlines or by adoption. Church members are counted as a descendant of Abraham and an heir to all the promises and blessings contained in the Abrahamic covenant (see  Abrahamic Covenant).

 

 

Also, regarding the blessings that are promised the church no longer claims that those promises will be recognized...in this life but rather redefines the scope of the PB to include eternity. Why would offering blessings which may or may not come true in this life be relevent? The PB is viewed as a resources to help us through this life and keep us on the right path but if the blessing spans eternity it becomes unnecessary in this life.

 

 

Similarly, the recipient of the blessing should not assume that everything mentioned in it will be fulfilled in this life. A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and its promises may extend into the eternities. If one is worthy, all promises will be fulfilled in the Lord's due time. Those promises and blessings that are not realized in this life will be fulfilled in the next.

 

 

Edited February 18, 2015 by HappyJackWagon

[pogi]

There are specific promised blessing sealed to you upon your worthiness.  Without such a blessing, you would have no promise.  Besides that, why not receive a blessing and counsel from the Lord?  Sure we can receive personal revelation, but that does not keep us from going to church to receive more counsel, nor does it keep us from receiving or giving father's blessings, or other types of blessings of comfort etc.

I cherish mine, and knowing my lineage just secures my assurance that I have been accepted and am a part of the Lord's chosen people.  Further light and knowledge about your blessing can be gained from understanding Abraham's blessings to each line.  Hence, the declaration of lineage. 

[pogi]

The PB is viewed as a resources to help us through this life and keep us on the right path but if the blessing spans eternity it becomes unnecessary in this life.

 

An expanded perspective of our eternal promised blessings is a welcome gift in my book.  It is the jelly on top of a good PB.  What is a PB without the J?  

[HappyJackWagon]

An expanded perspective of our eternal promised blessings is a welcome gift in my book.  It is the jelly on top of a good PB.  What is a PB without the J?  

If one receives a PB expecting it to be a roadmap for their mortal life, not only could they be very disappointed when promised blessings aren't receieved but they could also heap on themselves unwarranted blame and guilt for not being worthy enough to receive the blessings. Also, it would be reasonable to expect that a member might make decisions for their mortal life based upon the potential for receiving a blessing that really isn't intended until the next life.

[Rain]

Yes, you can get inspiration in other ways, but I am grateful that Heavenly Father inspires us in multiple ways. Sometimes I think He inspires us in a number of different ways, but it seems to stick most when done with whatever way that affects us most at the time. Kind of like conference speakers. If you read though it you might find several speakers who said we should do something, but when you listened the first time you only heard speaker C say it. Why didn't the Lord inspire you with all 3 speakers? Maybe he did and you didn't feel it or maybe speaker C was the best person to inspire you with it.

There is a specific thing my blessing tells me to do. I find it rather unlikely that I would have thought of doing it on my own. It was good to have it spelled out for me.

This thread is reminded me that I wanted to search through my blessing to find out what I need to change in my life to make it come true like was talked about im conference.

By the way, my blessing tells me that it isn't going to tell me a specific thing, but will have to come to me through inspiration in other ways. Finding that out has been a big part of my life and I don't think I would have done much study on it had the blessing just told me and I'm not sure I would even think about figuring it out had the blessing just not mentioned it. Thanks for your question - it has given me some insight into my own life.

Edited February 18, 2015 by Rain

[JLHPROF]

why bother getting a Patriarchal Blessing?  Why not just live by revelation you get in life like my Mum's RS Pres. believe's she was told not to bother with dating because she'll never find a man in this life, so she doesn't date, why would she need a blessing to tell her that, if God told her another way?

 

That's exactly why to get a Patriarchal Blessing - to avoid getting "revelations" that teach a false principle.  That RS Pres "revelation" is teaching her a false principle which a Patriarchal Blessing might correct.

 

 

Also with this lineage business, I get that we are of the House of Israel but I don't live my life any different than my two friends who are of a different tribe, like what's the thing about declaring what tribe you are in?

 

Different tribes = different blessings.  We may all be adopted into the house of Israel, but not every tribe in Israel receives the same callings or blessings.

 

It is important to note that Patriarchal blessings are both scriptural and important.  Somewhere along the line we got the idea that they were a personal prophecy, a crystal ball.  That was never the intent.

They are exactly what the name suggests - a blessing from our father (or the Patriarch - the father of our clan/ward/stake etc).  Sometimes they include guidance.  Sometimes they include blessings.

We should think of them as exactly what they are - a blessing, just as the Patriarchs of old gathered their children around them and blessed them before they died.

 

It's a beautiful thing, not a magic eight ball.  And I believe ANY blessing pronounced in the Patriarchal Blessing can be fulfilled if we live worthy of it, just as with all blessings.

 

So asking why would want a blessing... that's crazy.

Edited February 18, 2015 by JLHPROF

[DJBrown]

I had an interest in becoming a doctor when I was a child.  When I received my patriarchal blessing at 14, I was told that my mission in life was to heal the sick and afflicted.  That blessing has been very helpful in my direction in life and feeling confident that I was choosing a profession that I was intended to pursue.  I suppose I could have simply relied upon the simple impressions along the way, but that patriarchal blessing added an extra feeling of confidence in those impressions.

 

There are other elements of my blessing that have contributed to my life in this way.

[cinepro]

As subject that interests me and I am trying to keep an open mind about it but why bother getting a Patriarchal Blessing? Why not just live by revelation that you get in your own life and keep the commandments of the Lord? Par example, read your scriptures, say your prayers, marry a member in the Temple, be righteous-all these things you hear at Church why get a blessing that says it? Why not just live by revelation you get in life like my Mum's RS Pres. believe's she was told not to bother with dating because she'll never find a man in this life, so she doesn't date, why would she need a blessing to tell her that, if God told her another way? Also with this lineage business, I get that we are of the House of Israel but I don't live my life any different than my two friends who are of a different tribe, like what's the thing about declaring what tribe you are in? is it equivalent to know that me Mum's favourite show in university was the Lawrence Welk Show? like that's neat but doesn't make any difference in my life-like why bother telling what lineage you are from?

 

I suspect it's now more of a tradition than anything.  If such blessings hadn't started in the early days of the Church, there's no way they would be started now.  But since they're free, and as far as I can tell, only help people to be better (and, depending on the blessing, more creative), who cares?

[Paddy]

I got my blessing when I was about 14-15 years old. It helped me focus on my spiritual direction during those formative years and during my 20's. But I have not referred to it for probably 10-15 years and probably won't refer to it again. I think it has served its purpose for me in those earlier years. FWIW

[HappyJackWagon]

I got my blessing when I was about 14-15 years old. It helped me focus on my spiritual direction during those formative years and during my 20's. But I have not referred to it for probably 10-15 years and probably won't refer to it again. I think it has served its purpose for me in those earlier years. FWIW

I'm curious how the direction from your blessing differed from the standard spiritual direction taught in the church. Is there a meaningful difference? I ask because there wasn't a meaningful difference in mine.

[Uncle Dale]

How else would I have ever known that I was a

literal descendant of Ephraim, and not just an

adoptee into the lineage of Abraham?

And, how else would I ever guess, that (if i

remained faithful) I would live to see the blood

of the martyrs avenged against the Gentiles

of Illinois and Missouri?

Better than going to Mistress Olga, at the sign

of the sun, moon and stars in the Bronx...

UD

Edited February 18, 2015 by Uncle Dale

[strappinglad]

I'm glad you approve cynicpro.

[HappyJackWagon]

How else would I have ever known that I was a

literal descendant of Ephraim, and not just an

adoptee into the family of Joseph?

And, how else would I ever guess, that (if i

remained faithful) I would live to see the blood

of the martyrs avenged against the Gentiles

of Illinois and Missouri?

Better than going to Mistress Olga, at the sign

of the sun, moon and stars in the Bronx...

UD

Why does it matter that you are a literal descendant and not just an adoptee? Is an adopted child any less valuable than a literal descendent?

 

Have you seen the blood of the martyrs avenged? What will that look like? How will you know when it happens?

What about all the promised blessings others have received where the blessings verifiably did not come true, like my friend who died during the first few months of his mission despite a blessing that he would live a long life and serve in many leadership callings and bring many souls into the gospel?

 

It is verified;

 

He did not live a long life (died less than 1 year after he received his blessing)

He did not bring many souls into the gospel (no baptisms on his mission though someone could argue that he brought many souls on the other side into the gospel. Of course that is unverifiable)

He did not have any leadership calling...ever.

 

I've known others, like my grandfather, blessed to live to see the 2nd coming of Christ. He's dead. The blessing verifiably was not given despite a faithful life of church service and temple attendance.

[stemelbow]

How else would I have ever known that I was a

literal descendant of Ephraim, and not just an

adoptee into the lineage of Abraham?

And, how else would I ever guess, that (if i

remained faithful) I would live to see the blood

of the martyrs avenged against the Gentiles

of Illinois and Missouri?

Better than going to Mistress Olga, at the sign

of the sun, moon and stars in the Bronx...

UD

 

 

If you are a literal descendant of Ephraim you are probably a literal descendant of another of Jacob's sons, perhaps even all of them.  But Joseph is preferred by us and Manasseh only works for Native Americans,  Lehi's descendants. 

[mnn727]

Having been a witness to 4 such blessings, I can tell you that they are of a very profound and sacred nature. Truths are relieved that only God could know. It is a small glimpse into the eternities, your own personal set of scripture. Words cannot describe how penetrating and divine the blessing is.  

Mine was as generic as a horoscope. I was quite disappointed at the end of it. Especially when the Patriarch got my name wrong at one point  - I saw no inspiration even though going into it I expected it.

[Uncle Dale]

If you are a literal descendant of Ephraim you are probably a literal descendant of another of Jacob's sons, perhaps even all of them.  But Joseph is preferred by us and Manasseh only works for Native Americans,  Lehi's descendants.

For the first time in my life, I finally understand why

Ziba Peterson was sent to missionize the Lamanites.

Neither Pratt, Cowdery nor Whitmer were authorized

to bestow such fatherly blessings, but under Elder

Peterson's hand a Siberian-descended Shawnee

could be distinguished from a Lemuel-descended

true son of Lehi.

Clever fellows, those first four of our missionaries.

UD

[Paddy]

I'm curious how the direction from your blessing differed from the standard spiritual direction taught in the church. Is there a meaningful difference? I ask because there wasn't a meaningful difference in mine.

Being more personal rather than general teachings from church. I don't think there was a significant difference in teachings,just the personal nature of it helped.

[Uncle Dale]

Have you seen the blood of the martyrs avenged? What will that look like? How will you know when it happens?

...

Well, Bro. John D. Lee did the best he could, despite taking

out that vengeance against a bunch of innocent Arkansans

who were on the other side of the Indian Nation border when

Elder Pratt was dispatched from this terrestrial realm.

But, to tell the truth, I lifted that paragraph from one of my

LDS progenitors' blessings -- bestowed shortly before Col.

Johnston's dragoons entered Great Salt Lake City (and

thus mailed out with a Provo postmark).

My own RLDS blessing was much more "vanilla" and

simply let me know that my sins since the baptism of

fire had been forgiven and that my Heavenly Father loved

me as much as a "mother doth the babe at her breast,"

... strange prose, coming from a masculine (?) Spirit of

God -- then again, perhaps those Greek-speaking Jewish

scribes in Alexandria were correct in calling Her "Sophia."

UD

Edited February 18, 2015 by Uncle Dale

[stemelbow]

For the first time in my life, I finally understand why

Ziba Peterson was sent to missionize the Lamanites.

Neither Pratt, Cowdery nor Whitmer were authorized

to bestow such fatherly blessings, but under Elder

Peterson's hand a Siberian-descended Shawnee

could be distinguished from a Lemuel-descended

true son of Lehi.

Clever fellows, those first four of our missionaries.

UD

 

lol that was cleverly thought. 

[carbon dioxide]

I am 45 and have not had one.  I have not had any compelling reason or inspiration to get one.  Maybe I will get one when I am 50.  It will be more of a fit with my later years in life and perhaps more focused.

[The Nehor]

Without it I would not know how awesome my Premortal self was, what callings I held and will hold, or have any hope that things will work out eventually in this life.

[JLHPROF]

I suspect it's now more of a tradition than anything.  If such blessings hadn't started in the early days of the Church, there's no way they would be started now. 

 

I think they go further back than that:

Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.

D&C 107:53

 

Also Genesis 49, Alma 36-42.