Priesthood Blessings
Priesthood Blessings
BY KATHY PENROD
It was a lovely Arizona evening and I was outside playing with my favorite neighbor friends. We were climbing and playing on a red wagon in my driveway. I was five or six. While we played, I tipped back out of the wagon and hit my head on the hard concrete. Oh, how it hurt. Even decades later I remember the flood of tears that followed.
The fall was hard enough to cause me to feel nauseated and I went inside to seek comfort from my parents. My mom lovingly put ice on my head as I sat at the kitchen table. My sweet dad was there too. As a child, I felt like throwing up would be the worst thing in the world, and so I just wanted the nausea to go away. I pled for my dad to give me a priesthood blessing. I knew if he could give me a blessing, then I wouldn’t throw up.
With his gentle hands atop my head, my dad gave me a blessing of healing and comfort. The peace that filled my heart as he began his blessing felt like a warm hug. Soon, his blessing was over and my nausea dissipated, helping me to calm down and relax. I didn’t throw up.
This is my first memory of priesthood blessings and how they could impact my life. From then on, I knew I could rely on priesthood blessing to help me through difficult times.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, righteous men are given the Holy Priesthood. The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man on earth. It is through this priesthood that blessings are given.
There are various types of blessings. Here is an example of just two.
The blessing I had that evening years ago was a blessing of healing. Usually, a blessing of healing is offered by two men. But in special circumstances, it can be offered by one. These blessings are preceded by the anointing of consecrated oil atop the receiver’s head. Sometimes these blessings are offered to those who are ill they are blessed to recover. Sometimes they are blessed to be able to endure. Each blessing is unique to its situation.
A blessing of comfort and/or counsel is offered to those requesting extra help for special situations. These can be given at the beginning of a school year, or when someone is trying to make an important decision. They can be given when the receiver is distraught or worried about something. I have had many blessings of comfort and counsel over the years. It feels like taking a deep inhale and snuggling into a blanket. So much peace!
You don’t have to be a member of our church to receive a blessing. You only have to believe in the power and grace of Jesus Christ and believe that the blessing can benefit you. Our Heavenly Father lovingly offers his priesthood to those who are worthy so they can bless in His name. Next time you are ill or in need of comfort, seek out a priesthood blessing. You will be edified through the experience.
The Importance of Priesthood Blessings
Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings
Father’s Blessings and Other Blessings of Comfort and Counsel
