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Are You Wondering If You Should Get Your Patriarchal Blessing?
If you’re unsure if receiving a patriarchal blessing is really for you, read on.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve had patriarchal blessings on your mind lately.
Receiving your patriarchal blessing—which some prophets have compared to “personal scripture for you” or even a “personal Liahona”—is an exciting opportunity to feel Heavenly Father’s deep, personal love for you.
But what if you’re nervous about it? What if you have a lot of questions? What if you’re worried about what your patriarchal blessing will say—or won’t say?
If you feel that way, you’re not alone. But there are answers to your questions. Keep reading for just a few of them.
How Do I Know When I’m Ready?
There’s no specific age when you “should” receive your patriarchal blessing. It will help you no matter when you receive it! That said, the ideal time to receive your blessing is when you’re “young enough that many important decisions in life are still ahead,” which describes the stage you’re in pretty well.
Ultimately, when you receive your patriarchal blessing is between you and Heavenly Father. A good indicator of readiness is when you have a desire to receive your patriarchal blessing and understand what it is—but you don’t have to know everything! You can pray for confirmation and talk to your bishop or branch president about your questions.
After a Young Women lesson about patriarchal blessings, I had this feeling that I needed to receive mine to know the guidance that Heavenly Father has in store for me. I prayed a lot and studied for months.
Then, one day in Sunday School, my teacher told me, “If you’re thinking about your patriarchal blessing, it’s probably time for you to get it.” That inspired me to go for it, and I’m so grateful I did. Because of my patriarchal blessing, I know that Heavenly Father knows who I am.
Acadia L., age 16, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Do I Really Need a Patriarchal Blessing?
We’re not commanded to receive a patriarchal blessing, but it’s definitely a good idea! Your blessing will be a source of strength, comfort, and revelation and an invaluable resource when you’re making big decisions or going through a hard time.
For example, Elder Randall K. Bennett of the Seventy said that receiving his patriarchal blessing helped him understand his “true eternal identity—who [he] really was and who [he] could become.” This increased his faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, which helped him stay strong when his parents later divorced.
If you’re still not sure if you need or want a patriarchal blessing, ask your parents, siblings, other family members, or Church leaders how their blessing has helped them.
When I first received my patriarchal blessing, I learned so much about myself. I like to reread it at least once a week, and every time I do, I learn something new. It helps me recontextualize my life through a spiritual lens and see how the Lord has helped and guided me in every aspect of my life.
Dmitri P., age 17, Minnesota, USA
What If My Blessing Isn’t What I Expected or Hoped For?
If you’re worried that your patriarchal blessing won’t address all your hopes, dreams, and questions about the future—or that it will address them in a way you don’t like—remember that it’s a blessing, not a detailed prediction. It won’t tell you everything that will happen in your life (or exactly how it will happen), but it will tell you what blessings you can receive by following Heavenly Father’s guidance.
Above all, your patriarchal blessing is a message of God’s love for you. Heavenly Father wants you to succeed and return home to Him. Your patriarchal blessing is just one of the many resources He gives you to help you on your journey.
I used to have difficulty identifying revelation, but through my patriarchal blessing, Heavenly Father revealed to me His promised blessings and His love for me. It strengthened me and helped me focus on the things that matter most. My faith grew and my love for my Savior and Heavenly Father deepened.
Bree-Ell R., age 16, Auckland, New Zealand