“The Power of Godliness through Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings,” For the Strength of Youth, Aug. 2021, 10–13.
The Power of Godliness through Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings
Here are four priesthood ordinances and blessings that invite God’s power into your life.
In my travels as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, I meet youth all over the world. Many of them struggle with real concerns: “Will God help me? Will He guide my life? How can I receive the help, direction, and peace I need?”
My dear young friends, God will help you, and He stands ready to bless you. As our loving Father, He has given us ordinances that help us feel His power in our lives—the power of godliness.
Think of this scripture: “In the ordinances … , the power of godliness is manifest” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:20).
Here are four ordinances and blessings that invite that power into your life.
1. Power in the Sacrament
First, we can feel the power of godliness through the sacrament. When we approach the sacrament as a fundamental part of our week, it renews us and helps us prepare for the six days ahead.
The sacrament reinforces our efforts to repent continually. As we live righteously and strive to always remember the Savior, we experience a steady increase of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We find strength, through Him, to change our lives for the better.
When we partake of the sacrament and strive to be more like our Savior, good qualities within us begin to grow. We naturally begin to love people more and judge them less. We’re slower to anger, and we’re reluctant to walk into temptation.
By remembering and keeping our covenants with the Lord, as we do when we take the sacrament, He promises us that His Spirit will always be with us (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79)—not just with us that day, but always.
2. Power in the Temple
Second, we can receive guidance and power from God by attending the temple. There is power in the temple, even if you are not yet endowed. It is literally the house of the Lord.
The best way to approach the temple is to prepare beforehand. Ask Heavenly Father to help you build your faith in Him and in His Son. Ask Him to help you know that He is there.
You can’t force spiritual feelings or experiences. Often, they will come when you’re not expecting them. One of the most frequent impressions I receive in the temple is, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:16).
The power of godliness in the temple increases when you perform ordinances for people whose names you have found through family history work. I have many times felt the power and presence of those for whom I did work in the temple.
As you contribute to this sacred work, your knowledge and faith in the Savior will increase. You will receive a more certain witness that life continues beyond the veil.
Not everyone lives close enough to a temple to attend frequently. The Lord will recognize your love for the temple even if you are far away. Keep a picture of the temple in your home, and vigilantly seek those who are in need of the ordinances.
3. Power in Your Patriarchal Blessing
The third thing that will invite God’s power into your life is your patriarchal blessing. All youth should think about receiving a patriarchal blessing. It’s a powerful roadmap for your life.
Patriarchal blessings do not speak of every aspect of our lives. But they emphasize different warnings, blessings, and promises for each person and provide important direction from Heavenly Father.
Power also comes through preparation. One of my grandsons recently shared with me that he was preparing for his patriarchal blessing. This wasn’t something his parents were pushing on him—it was his own initiative. He wanted the direction that it would bring. I was impressed with his spiritual preparation.
It’s also important to be in the right spiritual frame of mind to receive your patriarchal blessing. You want to receive your blessing when you’re at peace. A patriarchal blessing is a great gift and brings the power of godliness into your life.
4. Power in Priesthood Blessings
Finally, I would like to remind us all of the power that can flow into our lives through priesthood blessings from worthy priesthood holders.
I know sometimes you may feel reluctant to ask for a blessing from your father, and sometimes fathers might feel reluctant to give a blessing. They might feel unprepared, but the Lord will bless them in their efforts.
I would encourage you, if you have a father who worthily holds the priesthood, to go to him privately, and say, “Dad, I’d like a blessing. If you want to have a week or a month to get your mind and spirit ready, I can wait. But can we plan on it?”
If your father is not able to give you a priesthood blessing, talk to your parents about asking someone else in your ward whom you love and respect. You will find strength and comfort from our Heavenly Father through the everyday miracle of priesthood blessings.
Healing, by J. Kirk Richards
You Will Feel the Power of God in Your Life
My young friends, in these four priesthood ordinances the power of godliness will come into your life. You will know, as I do, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that all good things come from Him. I testify that we can access that power through righteous participation in His priesthood ordinances.