Comments on: Why are some patriarchal blessings similar to others?

By: my ten cents

my ten cents — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 06:13:00 +0000

when I was on my mission, one of my companions had a similar passion for music like myself, and also desired to pursue music as a career. He shared with me a part of his patriarchal blessing that discusses this subject. I was surprised to find that the blessings promised to him were exactly the same, word for word, as mine concerning our careers. As I pondered about this, I realised that there was only one reason why our blessings were identical. Even though our patriarchs lived thousands of miles apart, in different countries. They are the same because they come from the same source…our Father in heaven. The fact that some blessings are the same only add to the testimony of the nature of God and the validity of his blessings.

By: Grateful Patriarch

Grateful Patriarch — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 16:44:00 +0000

As a Patriarch, I was once concerned that I used similar language and phrases with different recipents. I discussed this concern with 3 other patriarchs and found they too had this concern. As we discussed this among ourselves, we found each of us were giving the same information, just in the language style we use as individuals. Just think of how you and someone else may explain something differently, even though both of you are correct. Heavenly Father has much of the same information for each of us to find our way back to His presence, and the fact it is given in similar fashion to different members is consistent with the way He teaches His children. In the over 600 blessings I have given, no two are identical in style or message, even though they may have the same phraseology used to convey the message. Each one has specific counsel for the individual receiving the blessing. Our purpose is to serve as the mouthpiece for the inspiration we receive while giving blessings under the power of our ordained priesthood office. We agreed that if a candidate for a patriarchal blessing went to a different patriarch, he would receive the same lineage, blessings, promises, warnings and counsel but it would be in the language style of the patriarch giving the blessing. The messages are personal and instructive. I no longer am concerned about use of similar, or even identical language, because I know it is not my blessing; it is the Lord’s blessing given in the way the Lord knows I will best convey the meaning. Patriarchal blessings are not meant to be shared or compared — only YOU have the right to the revelation to interpret your blessing. Don’t let others interpret your blessing for you and you will find the true meaning of the blessing. Pray about its meaning and you will see how perfect it is for you.

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 16:03:00 +0000

When I received my patriarchal blessing, I was told to limit who I shared my blessing with since it was a sacred document and specific to me. Because of that caution, I do not know how other blessings are worded. I wonder why some people find it necessary to share their blessings with others and why they are concerned with similarities.

Your response using the Whitmers is a good example of how blessings can be both individual and similar. Even when I have received blessings from different priesthood holders concerning different concerns, the wording of my blessings have been similar. Does that mean that they don’t address my different needs at different times? Of course not!

Nate, be cautious about who you share your blessing with. Remember also that we all have the same mission and plan of salvation given to us and there will be similarities. Remember too that these are eternal documents and that we can pray about how they apply to our own individual lives at different times.

By: Cassandove

Cassandove — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 18:28:00 +0000

My Patriarchal Blessing complements my husband’s through some similarities and some differences; admittedly, I’d be more concerned with how an individual regards their blessing if they’re letting others read or interpret it for them.