I
A patriarchal blessing is a special blessing, given by the laying on of hands by a ordained patriarch. Okay. So, what does this mean? Well, a man who holds the priesthood and who has been called to be a patriarch can, when you have requested it and have been found worthy and prepared by your bishop, give you a special priesthood blessing.
In True to the Faith, we learn:
"Once you have received your patriarchal blessing, you should read it humbly, prayerfully, and frequently. It is a personal revelation from your Heavenly Father who knows your strengths, weaknesses, and eternal potential."
Patriarchal Blessings...pretty cool
President Monson once taught:
"Your patriarchal blessing is yours and yours alone. It may be brief or lengthy, simple or profound. Length and language do not a patriarchal blessing make. It is the Spirit that conveys the true meaning. Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers." - Thomas S. Monson
I have to admit, I haven't been doing this as much as I should. In fact, I was feeling a little down and out the other day, and I had the thought that I should read my Patriarchal Blessing, but I didn't! I'm grateful for this chance I've had to do it now.
Our patriarchal blessings are very personal, and they are given for comfort and direction and for a time in our lives when we might need them.
II
I will tell a little bit about my experience receiving a Patriarchal Blessing. I received mine when I was fourteen years old. I had the feeling that I wanted to get it, so I talked to my mom and then my bishop. After meeting with the Bishop, I made an appointment with my Patriarch to receive my blessing.
I got my patriarchal blessing on a weekday, and I remember fasting all day long before I went to receive my blessing. It was kind of strange not to eat at school, but my mom and bishop had told me that being extra prayerful would help me to have the Spirit. I remember that I even wore a skirt to school. I knew that I'd have to go right from school to the patriarch's house - he lived like 45 minutes away. Fasting and being in a skirt all day at school helped me to think of what was going to take place that evening. I felt especially close to the Spirit throughout the day.
When I got to the Patriarch's house, I was a little nervous. I didn't know what to expect. But he helped me feel right at home. My Patriarch was Patriarch Brown. He lived in a small house outside of Philadelphia. He was a simple, humble man. If I remember correctly, he was a retired school-teacher.
One thing that was especially unique about Patriarch Brown was that his house was full of clocks. He told me he liked to collect them. He then taught me a little bit more about Patriarchal blessings. He told me how he prepared through fasting and prayer. He explained that he didn't know what he would say in my Patriarchal Blessing (or any patriarchal blessing, for that matter) until he was in the middle of giving it. The reason is: these Patriarchal Blessings are not for him to give, but they are from God.
Receiving my patriarchal blessing was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. I felt completely surrounded by the love of God. I had very little experience with Priesthood blessings. I had never had a father's blessing, and had only received blessings in association with receiving callings. The Spirit was overwhelming, and I came away from Patriarch Brown's house knowing that God knew me, personally, and that He Loved me.
III
My patriarchal blessing has taught me of my worth and identity in life. Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering that I'm valuable to God-that I'm of infinite worth. I find that when I'm forgetting my value, it is because I'm forgetting my identity. It is hard to feel worthless when we consider that we are children of God. My patriarchal blessing has been a good way for me to remember that I am of great worth to Him. My Patriarchal blessing reminds me that not only am I a daughter of God, but He knows me, personally. He knows me by name. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. He knows the conditions of my life. And, above all, He loves me.
I will share one example with you:
"Recognize,...that you have been sent here. Your coming to the earth has in no way been accidental. You were sent at this time so that you might do more with your life than you ever could have done a any other time in the history of the earth."
When I received my patriarchal blessing, this paragraph made a profound impact on me. First of all, it should be stated that I had never met the patriarch before I received my blessing. He didn't really know anything about me. He didn't know that I was born out of wedlock, adopted by my dad, and that I had never known my biological father. Though my life was full of love, there was an element to my identity that made me feel like I was an "accident", or unwanted in some way.
My patriarchal blessing shattered this thought/worry. I am not an accident. Heavenly Father purposely sent me here, and He let me know that my life truly has meaning and purpose. It was a great blessing for me to know this when I was a teenager. This fact continues to be a blessing for me now.
IV
In her talk on Patriarchal Blessings, Julie B. Beck states:
"You are never too young to start learning about patriarchal blessings." - Julie B. BeckOf course, her statement is true. I think that I'd like to add that you are never to old to remember the value, purpose, and benefit of a patriarchal blessing. I'm grateful to have received mine. It helps guide and comfort me. It encourages and motivates me to choose the right. Above all, it reminds me of my individual worth as a daughter of God.
- Choco
No comments:
Post a Comment