Did you know that any baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can prepare to receive their patriarchal blessing? You may have questions like when is the best age to get a patriarchal blessing, or when do you know if you’re ready? And if you already have yours, there’s so much you can do to get even more out of it! I am sharing tons of tips and resources to help you prepare your kids for their patriarchal blessing or to help you get the most out of your own.
Preparing your kids for their patriarchal blessing
When helping our kids prepare for their patriarchal blessings, one of the most common questions is when is the best time? Should they wait until they’re mature enough? Should they do it when they’re spiritually strong, or maybe if they’re struggling? Obviously, I can’t answer that for you. So, here are some things to consider:
Teach them how to receive personal revelation
This should be a concept that is familiar to your kids, especially after they are baptized. Let the Holy Ghost guide them in their decision to receive their blessing.
Teach them what a patriarchal blessing is
There are so many different purposes for a patriarchal blessing. Help your child know what to expect. You could share your experience with them and teach them that a patriarchal blessing contains personal counsel from the Lord to you and declares your lineage in the house of Israel.
Let them read their ancestor’s patriarchal blessings
Did you know that you can access your ancestor’s patriarchal blessings in Gospel Library? If they have passed away, you can request a copy. Just sign in to your Church account, click on Patriarchal Blessings in the menu, and follow the prompts.
Meet with the patriarch
You can set up a meeting with the patriarch just to get to know him and ask questions. You might even make a 5th Sunday or youth/primary activity out of it.
Resources for your kids
There are also some great resources to help your kids learn and understand more about patriarchal blessings. Here are some general conference talks and books that teach about patriarchal blessings.
When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing -Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita, April 2023
Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father -Elder Randall K. Bennett, April 2023
Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light – President Thomas S. Monson, October 1986
Your Patriarchal Blessing by Brad Wilcox
65 Questions and Answers About Patriarchal Blessings
Twelve Tribes of Israel Activity Book
How to get more out of your own patriarchal blessing
Learn more about your tribe and blessings
One of the purposes of a patriarchal blessing is to learn what tribe you are so you know the responsibilities and blessings that go with it. I shared some resources about the tribes of Israel below.
Highlight your spiritual gifts
One of my favorite things I ever did was making a copy of my blessing and highlighting all of my spiritual gifts. There were so many more than I was expecting.
Mark It with notes, thoughts, scriptures, and impressions
You can also highlight it with any other thoughts and promptings you may have. Remember that it’s personal. No one else can have revelation about what your patriarchal blessing means.
Read it often
Just like the scriptures, the more you read your patriarchal blessing, the more you will get out of it. You can make copies and shrink them down and laminate them. You can keep a digital copy on your phone and computer. Really get to know your blessing and let the revelation flow.
Set goals to develop your gifts and talents
Pray for help, then set goals, and make plans to discover your gifts and develop your talents. It will play a significant role in your life and help you understand your personal mission.
Pray and fast about your patriarchal blessing
Dedicate a day to pray and fast about your blessing. Write down any spiritual impressions you receive about it. When we fast, our ability to tune into the Spirit is magnified. You can do this multiple times throughout your life.
Resources for you
Making Sense of Your Patriarchal Blessing
Power Of Your Patriarchal Blessing
Ephraim, Chosen of the Lord: What it means to be of the tribe of Ephraim
The Study of The Twelve Tribes of Israel
My Patriarchal Blessing Journal
One Response
Thanks a million ☺️