Question
Gramps,
I have been told that when concluding a priesthood blessing, we shouldn’t use the words “I seal this blessing upon you.” I can’t find any reference regarding this. The Church instruction always says to end in the name of Jesus Christ. I realize the term is used by patriarchs to refer to anointing and to temple sealing, but I can’t find a reference to it for other priesthood blessings.
Mark
Answer
Mark,
That’s a really thoughtful question, Mark—and honestly, it’s one of those things a lot of people hear in passing but then can’t quite track down in official sources. You’re not alone in wondering where that idea comes from.
In the teachings and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, priesthood blessings are meant to be simple, inspired, and centered on faith in Jesus Christ. The core instructions we do have are pretty clear and consistent: blessings are given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, guided by the Spirit, and they are concluded in the name of Jesus Christ. That part isn’t spelled out in casual opinion—it comes straight from official Church instruction.
If you look at scriptural guidance, like in the Doctrine and Covenants, you’ll notice something interesting: the Lord gives patterns and principles, but not strict scripts. For example, in sections that outline priesthood ordinances (such as Doctrine and Covenants 20 and Doctrine and Covenants 42), specific words must be used for ordinances like baptism. But when it comes to blessings of comfort, healing, or counsel, the instructions are much more open-ended. The emphasis is on being led by the Spirit rather than following a memorized phrase.
That’s important context for your question.
So what about the phrase, “I seal this blessing upon you”? Is it forbidden? Required? Somewhere in between?
The short answer is: there’s no clear, official prohibition against using those exact words—but there’s also no instruction that says we should use them in regular priesthood blessings.
And that’s probably why you’re running into this gray area.
Part of the confusion comes from how the word “seal” is used in other, more specific priesthood contexts. In temple ordinances—especially sealings—the word carries a very precise doctrinal meaning tied to eternal covenants and authority that bind on earth and in heaven. Similarly, patriarchal blessings often include language about promises being “sealed,” reflecting the sacred and declarative nature of that ordinance.
Because of that, some leaders and teachers have encouraged priesthood holders to be cautious about casually using the word “seal” in everyday blessings. Not because it’s inherently wrong, but because it may unintentionally blur the line between different types of priesthood authority and ordinances.
You’ll sometimes hear this taught more as a matter of good practice than a strict rule.
For example, Boyd K. Packer taught that priesthood ordinances should be performed in a simple, dignified manner, without unnecessary or elaborate wording. He emphasized that ordinances are to be done “precisely as the Lord has revealed.” While that statement is often applied to formal ordinances, the principle of simplicity and avoiding embellishment is frequently extended to blessings as well.
Likewise, Dallin H. Oaks taught that priesthood blessings are not dependent on specific phrasing. In “Healing the Sick” (General Conference, April 2010), he explained that the efficacy of a blessing depends on faith, priesthood authority, and the will of the Lord—not on exact words or formulas. That teaching helps ground us in what really matters when giving a blessing.
Beyond conference talks, the clearest procedural guidance comes from the Church’s official handbook. The General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, section 18.13, outlines how to give priesthood blessings. It instructs Melchizedek Priesthood holders to:
- Call the person by name
- State the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood
- Give words of blessing as guided by the Spirit
- Close in the name of Jesus Christ
Notably, it does not include any instruction to “seal” the blessing.
Because of that, many leaders simply encourage sticking closely to what has been revealed and modeled, rather than adding phrases that might carry unintended doctrinal weight.
That said, if someone has used that phrase in a blessing, it doesn’t automatically invalidate the blessing. The Lord honors faith, intent, and priesthood authority far more than perfect wording. This isn’t about technical precision—it’s about spiritual alignment.
A helpful way to think about it is this: priesthood blessings are not formulas. They’re acts of faith. The power doesn’t come from saying “seal” or not saying it—it comes from the priesthood authority, the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and the Savior’s will.
So if you’ve been told not to use that phrase, it’s likely coming from a desire to keep blessings simple, doctrinally clear, and consistent with official instruction—not from a hard-and-fast rule written somewhere.
And honestly, there’s something refreshing about that simplicity. When you focus less on wording and more on listening to the Spirit, blessings tend to feel more personal and more powerful.
If you want a practical takeaway, it would be this: follow the pattern the Church has given, speak as the Spirit directs, and close in the name of Jesus Christ. If you do that, you’re on solid ground.
And the fact that you’re digging into this, looking for sources and clarity—that’s exactly how understanding deepens.
Gramps
