“Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings,” Handbook: Leading in the Savior’s Church (2020).

“Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings,” Handbook: Leading in the Savior’s Church.

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family walking near temple

Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings

Ordinances and blessings are sacred acts performed by the authority of the priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ. As priesthood holders perform ordinances and blessings, they follow the Savior’s example of blessing others. Priesthood ordinances and blessings provide access to God’s power (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20).

Ordinances and blessings are to be performed under the direction of the Holy Ghost. Leaders ensure that they are performed with required priesthood authority, in the proper way, and by worthy participants (see section 3).

1. Ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation

The priesthood includes the authority to administer gospel ordinances that are necessary for salvation and exaltation. These ordinances are for those who are capable of making covenants. People who receive them make sacred covenants with God. These ordinances are:

Baptism
Confirmation and gift of the Holy Ghost
Conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordaining to an office (for men)
Temple endowment
Temple sealing

2. Other Ordinances and Blessings

Other ordinances and blessings make it possible for God’s children to receive His power in their lives. They are also a means of receiving God’s healing, comfort, and guidance. These ordinances and blessings are:

Naming and blessing children
The sacrament
Conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood and ordaining to an office (for young men and men)
Patriarchal blessings (by ordained patriarchs)
Setting apart members to serve in callings
Consecrating oil
Administering to the sick
Priesthood blessings of comfort and counsel, including father’s blessings
Dedicating homes
Dedicating graves

3. Participation in an Ordinance or Blessing

Those who perform or participate in an ordinance or blessing must have the necessary priesthood authority and be worthy. Generally, the standard of worthiness is that associated with holding a temple recommend. However, as guided by the Spirit and the instructions in this chapter, bishops and stake presidents may allow fathers and husbands who hold the necessary priesthood office to perform or participate in some ordinances and blessings even if they are not fully temple worthy. Leaders should not allow a priesthood holder who has unresolved serious sins to participate.

Some ordinances require approval from a presiding officer who holds the necessary priesthood keys—or from someone he has authorized, such as one of his counselors. See the following charts.

Which Leaders Have Keys to Give Approval to Perform or Receive Ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation?

Baptism	Bishop (for 8-year-old children who are members of record) Mission president (for converts)
Confirmation and gift of the Holy Ghost	Bishop (for 8-year-old children who are members of record) Mission president (for converts)
Conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordaining to an office (for men)	Stake president
Temple endowment	Bishop and stake president
Temple sealing	Bishop and stake president

Which Leader Has Keys to Give Approval to Perform or Receive Other Ordinances and Blessings?

Naming and blessing children	Bishop
The sacrament	Bishop
Conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood and ordaining to an office (for young men and men)	Bishop
Patriarchal blessings	Bishop
Setting apart members to serve in callings	See the Chart of Callings
Consecrating oil	Approval not needed
Administering to the sick	Approval not needed
Priesthood blessings of comfort and counsel, including father’s blessings	Approval not needed
Dedicating homes	Approval not needed
Dedicating graves	The priesthood leader who presides over the service

Generally, only priesthood leaders and close family members and friends participate in an ordinance or blessing. When several brothers participate, they stand in a circle around the person receiving the ordinance or blessing. Each one places his right hand lightly on the person’s head (or under the baby) and his left hand on the shoulder of the brother to his left. One brother acts as the voice to perform the ordinance or give the blessing.

Guidelines for performing ordinances for people with disabilities can be found [in the “Policies” chapter].

4. Ordinances for Minor Children

A minor child may be blessed, baptized, confirmed, ordained to a priesthood office, or set apart to a calling only with the consent of parents who have a legal right to participate in the decision, or legal guardians. For questions about the legal rights of noncustodial parents, the bishop or stake president seeks legal advice from the Church’s Office of General Counsel or from the area office. [See the “Policies” chapter.]

Additional guidelines for performing ordinances for minor children can be found [in the “Policies” chapter].

5. Naming and Blessing Children

“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:70).

Children are typically named and blessed during fast and testimony meeting in the ward where their parents reside. If the parents do not reside together, the ordinance is performed in the ward where the child will primarily live. Any exception to the typical place of the child’s blessing must be approved by the bishop.

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infant being blessed

5.1 Who Gives the Blessing

The ordinance of naming and blessing a child is performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders. A person or family who desires that a child receive a name and a blessing coordinates the ordinance with the bishop. He holds the priesthood keys for naming and blessing children in the ward.

A bishop may allow a father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood to name and bless his child even if the father is not fully temple worthy (see section 3). Bishops encourage fathers to prepare themselves to bless their own children.

To act as the voice in blessing a child, a brother who is outside his own ward must show a current temple recommend to the presiding leader. Or he may show a Recommend to Perform an Ordinance signed by a member of his bishopric.

5.2 Instructions

Under the direction of the presiding leader, Melchizedek Priesthood holders gather in a circle to name and bless the child. They place their hands under a baby, or they place their hands lightly on an older child’s head. Then the brother acting as the voice:

Addresses Heavenly Father as in prayer.
States that the blessing is being performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Gives the child a name.
Addresses the child.
Gives a blessing to the child as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

5.3 Child Record Form and Blessing Certificate

Before a child is blessed, the ward clerk prepares a Child Record Form according to the instructions on the form. After the blessing, he prepares a Blessing Certificate, which is signed by the bishop and given to the child’s parents or guardians.

The name on the membership record and certificate should match the birth certificate, civil birth registry, or current legal name.

6. Baptism

Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is necessary for a person to become a member of the Church and receive the Holy Ghost. All who seek exaltation must follow the example of the Savior by receiving these ordinances. (See Matthew 3:13–17; John 3:3–7; Acts 2:37–38; 2 Nephi 31:5–10.)

6.1 Approval for a Person to Be Baptized and Confirmed

Children Who Are Members of Record. The bishop holds the priesthood keys for baptizing 8-year-old children who are members of record in the ward. These children should be baptized and confirmed on or as soon after their 8th birthday as reasonable (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:27). These are children for whom Church membership records already exist.

The bishop or an assigned counselor conducts interviews for the baptism and confirmation of:

Children age 8 who are members of record.
Children age 8 who are not members of record but have at least one parent or guardian who is a member.

Interview instructions are provided in [currently Handbook 1, 16.3.3]. For information about filling out the Baptism and Confirmation Record, see 7.3.

Bishops give special attention to 7-year-old children in the ward, ensuring that their parents, Primary leaders and teachers, and those who minister to their families help them prepare for baptism and confirmation. Elders quorum and Relief Society leaders also encourage parents to prepare their children for these ordinances.

Converts. The mission president holds the priesthood keys for baptizing converts in a mission. Convert baptisms are defined as baptisms of:

Persons ages 9 and older who have never been baptized and confirmed.
Children age 8 whose parents are not members or are being baptized and confirmed at the same time as the children.

Full-time missionaries interview converts for baptism and confirmation. Instructions are provided in [currently Handbook 1, 16.3.3]. For information about filling out the Baptism and Confirmation Record, see 7.3.

6.2 Baptismal Services

A baptismal service should be simple, brief, and spiritual. It may include the following:

Prelude music
A brief welcome from the brother who is conducting the service
An opening hymn and prayer
One or two short talks on gospel subjects, such as baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost
A musical selection
The baptism
A time of reverence while those who participated in the baptism change into dry clothes (hymns or Primary songs may be played or sung during this time)
The confirmation for 8-year-old members of record (and, at the bishop’s discretion, for converts if the number of confirmations would require too much time in sacrament meeting)
Bearing of testimonies by new converts, if desired
A closing hymn and prayer
Postlude music

When a baptismal service for 8-year-old children involves only one ward, a member of the bishopric plans and conducts it. He may ask Primary leaders to help with planning.

When a baptismal service for 8-year-old children involves more than one ward, a member of the stake presidency or an assigned high councilor plans and conducts it. He may ask Primary leaders to help with planning. A member of the bishopric from each ward with a child being baptized should attend.

Members should not request individual times for the baptism of a child or prescribe the content of the service.

Baptismal services for converts should be scheduled as soon as they have met the qualifications in [currently Handbook 1, 16.3.3]. Baptism of a family member should not be delayed until a father can receive the priesthood and perform the baptism himself.

Baptismal services for converts are planned and conducted under the direction of the bishopric.

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baptism

6.3 Who Performs the Ordinance

The ordinance of baptism is performed by a priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder. The brother who performs a baptism must be approved by the bishop (or by the mission president if a full-time missionary).

A bishop may allow a father who is a priest or a Melchizedek Priesthood holder to baptize his child even if the father is not fully temple worthy (see section 3). Bishops encourage fathers to prepare themselves to baptize their own children.

To perform a baptism, a brother who is outside his own ward must show a current temple recommend to the presiding leader. Or he may show a Recommend to Perform an Ordinance signed by a member of his bishopric.

6.4 Where to Perform the Ordinance

Baptisms should be performed in a baptismal font if one is available. If there is not a font, a safe body of water may be used that is large enough for both the brother performing the ordinance and the person being baptized to stand in. Water is not dedicated for baptisms.

If a font is used, it is scheduled through an assigned member in the agent bishop’s ward. A responsible adult must be present while it is being filled and remain until it is drained, cleaned, and secured. The font should be drained immediately after each baptismal service, and the doors to the font should be locked when it is not in use.

6.5 Clothing

A person who performs a baptism and a person who is being baptized wear white clothing that is not transparent when wet. Endowed members wear the temple garment under their clothing. Local units purchase baptismal clothing with budget funds and do not charge members to use it.

6.6 Witnesses

Two priests or Melchizedek Priesthood holders witness each baptism to ensure that it is done properly. A baptism must be repeated if the words are not spoken exactly as given in Doctrine and Covenants 20:73 or if part of a person’s body or clothing is not completely immersed.

6.7 Instructions

To perform the ordinance of baptism, a priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder:

Stands in the water with the person being baptized.
Holds the person’s right wrist with his left hand (for convenience and safety). The person being baptized holds the priesthood holder’s left wrist with his or her left hand.
Raises his right arm to the square.
States the person’s full name and says, “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:73).
Has the person hold his or her nose with the right hand (for convenience); then places his right hand high on the person’s back and immerses the person completely, including clothing.
Helps the person to come up out of the water.

6.8 Baptism Record

For information about making a record of a baptism, see 7.3.

7. Confirmation and Gift of the Holy Ghost

After a person is baptized, he or she is confirmed a member of the Church and receives the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:41; Acts 19:1–7). The person becomes a member of the Church after both of these ordinances are completed and properly recorded (see John 3:5; Doctrine and Covenants 33:11; 3 Nephi 27:20).

7.1 Who Performs the Ordinance

The ordinance of confirmation is performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders. The bishop holds the priesthood keys for confirming 8-year-old members of record in a ward. The mission president holds the keys for confirming converts in a mission. However, the bishop oversees this ordinance for both children of record and converts. He ensures that it takes place on the day of baptism or soon afterward. The brother who performs the confirmation must be approved by the bishop (or by the mission president if a full-time missionary).

Only a Melchizedek Priesthood holder who is temple worthy may act as the voice for a confirmation. However, a bishop may allow a father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood to stand in the circle for the confirmation of his child even if the father is not fully temple worthy (see section 3).

At least one member of the bishopric participates in this ordinance. When missionary elders have taught a convert, the bishop invites them to participate.

To act as the voice in this ordinance, a brother who is outside his own ward must show a current temple recommend to the presiding leader. Or he may show a Recommend to Perform an Ordinance signed by a member of his bishopric.

7.2 Instructions

Under the direction of the bishopric, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders may participate in a confirmation. They place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the brother acting as the voice:

Calls the person by his or her full name.
States that the ordinance is being performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Confirms the person a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
States “receive the Holy Ghost” (not “receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”).
Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

7.3 Baptism and Confirmation Record and Certificate

When a bishop or an assigned counselor interviews an 8-year-old child of record, he fills out the Baptism and Confirmation Record. After the baptism and confirmation, the ward clerk uses this form to update the child’s membership record.

When a full-time missionary interviews a convert for baptism, he fills out the Baptism and Confirmation Record except for the information about confirmation. At the baptismal service, the missionaries give this form to the bishop or one of his counselors. After the confirmation, the bishop, a counselor, or the ward clerk completes the confirmation information and gives two copies of the form to the missionaries. The missionaries send one copy to the mission office so a membership record can be created.

After the confirmation, the ward clerk prepares a Baptism and Confirmation Certificate, which is signed by the bishop and given to the person.

A person’s current legal name should be used on the Baptism and Confirmation Record and on the Baptism and Confirmation Certificate.

8. The Sacrament

Church members meet on the Sabbath day to worship God and partake of the sacrament (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75; 59:9; Moroni 6:5–6). During this ordinance, they partake of the bread and water to remember the Savior’s sacrifice of His flesh and blood and to renew their sacred covenants (see Matthew 26:26–28; Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 14:20–25; Luke 22:15–20; 3 Nephi 18; Moroni 6:6).

8.1 Approval to Administer the Sacrament

The bishop holds the priesthood keys for administering the sacrament in the ward. If members are unable to partake of the sacrament because they are confined to a home, care center, or hospital, he may assign priesthood holders to administer the sacrament to them. However, he may not authorize the sacrament to be given to members outside the ward boundaries.

All who participate in preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament must receive approval from the bishop or someone under his direction. The bishop holds the priesthood keys to determine a brother’s worthiness to participate in the administration of the sacrament.

8.2 Who Performs the Ordinance

Teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may prepare the sacrament.
Priests and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may bless the sacrament.
Deacons, teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may pass the sacrament.

When there are enough Aaronic Priesthood holders, they usually perform these duties. When there are not enough deacons to pass the sacrament, the deacons quorum president counsels with the bishop about whom to invite to assist. Generally, he asks teachers and priests to help before asking elders and high priests.

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passing the sacrament

8.3 Guidelines for the Sacrament

Because of the sacred nature of the sacrament, priesthood leaders should prepare carefully so it is orderly and reverent. Sacrament tablecloths should be white, clean, and pressed. Sacrament trays should be clean. Sacrament trays and cups should be ordered well in advance.

Those who administer the sacrament should do so in a dignified manner, realizing that they are representing the Lord. The bishopric encourages them to ponder the Savior’s Atonement as they prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament.

Those who administer the sacrament should be well groomed and clean. They should not wear clothing or jewelry that might detract from the worship and covenant making that are the purpose of the sacrament. If the bishop needs to counsel a priesthood holder about such matters, he does so with love. He also takes into account the person’s maturity in the Church.

The passing of the sacrament should be natural and not overly formal. For example, certain actions (such as holding the left hand behind the back) or appearances (such as dressing alike) should not be required.

The congregation sings a sacrament hymn while the sacrament is being prepared. Vocal solos or instrumental music should not replace this hymn. Everyone at the meeting should be reverent during the blessing and passing of the sacrament. No music should be played during this time or immediately after.

Although the sacrament is for members of the Church, nothing should be done to prevent others from partaking of it.

8.4 Instructions

Those who prepare, bless, or pass the sacrament first wash their hands with soap or other cleanser.
Teachers, priests, or Melchizedek Priesthood holders make sure that bread trays with unbroken bread, water trays with cups of clean water, and tablecloths are in place before the meeting.
As ward members sing a sacrament hymn, those who will bless the sacrament reverently stand, remove the cloth that covers the bread trays, and break the bread into bite-sized pieces.
Following the hymn, a brother kneels and says the sacrament prayer for the bread (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77).
The bishop makes sure that the sacrament prayers are spoken clearly, accurately, and with dignity. If someone makes an error in the wording and corrects himself, no further correction is needed. If the person does not correct his error, the bishop kindly asks him to repeat the prayer. The bishop uses discretion when asking for the prayer to be repeated. He ensures that doing so does not cause undue embarrassment or detract from the ordinance. Typically another brother at the sacrament table helps as needed.
After the prayer, priesthood holders reverently pass the bread to the members, starting with the presiding leader, after which there is no set order. Once a tray is handed to members, they may pass it to one another.
When the bread has been passed to all members, those passing the sacrament return the trays to the sacrament table. Those blessing the sacrament place a cloth over the bread trays and uncover the water trays.
The person blessing the water kneels and says the sacrament prayer for the water (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:79). He substitutes the word water for wine.
After the prayer, priesthood holders reverently pass the water to the members.
When the water has been passed to all members, those passing the sacrament return the trays to the sacrament table. Those who blessed the sacrament place a cloth over the trays, and those who blessed and passed the sacrament reverently take their seats.
After the meeting, those who prepared the sacrament clean up, fold the tablecloth, and remove any unused bread.

9. Conferring the Priesthood and Ordaining to an Office

There are two divisions of the priesthood: the Aaronic and Melchizedek (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:1, 6). When the priesthood is conferred on a person, he is also ordained to an office in that priesthood. After either of these priesthoods has been conferred, a brother need only be ordained to other offices in that priesthood.

The stake president holds the priesthood keys for the conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordinations to the offices of elder and high priest. However, the bishop usually provides recommendations for these ordinations.

The bishop holds the priesthood keys for the conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood and ordinations to the offices of deacon, teacher, and priest. Worthy young men are typically ordained to Aaronic Priesthood offices at the following ages:

Deacon in the year they turn 12
Teacher in the year they turn 14
Priest in the year they turn 16

Instructions for recommending brothers for ordination and presenting them for a sustaining vote can be found [in the “Policies” chapter].

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brother being ordained

9.1 Who Performs the Ordinance

The stake president or a Melchizedek Priesthood holder under his direction may ordain a man to the office of elder. Only Melchizedek Priesthood holders may stand in the circle.

The stake president or a high priest under his direction may ordain a man to the office of high priest. Only high priests may stand in the circle.

A person who ordains a man to a Melchizedek Priesthood office should be temple worthy. The stake president or someone he designates must be present.

A priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder ordains a brother to the office of deacon, teacher, or priest. He must be authorized by the bishop. The bishop or someone he designates must be present.

To participate in an Aaronic Priesthood ordination, a person must be a priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder. A brother who participates in an ordination must hold an equal or higher office than is to be given in the ordination.

A bishop may allow a father who is a priest or a Melchizedek Priesthood holder to ordain his son to the office of deacon, teacher, or priest even if the father is not fully temple worthy (see section 3). Bishops encourage fathers to prepare themselves to ordain their own sons.

9.2 Instructions

To confer the priesthood and ordain a person to a priesthood office, one or more authorized priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the brother acting as the voice:

Calls the person by his full name.
States the authority by which the ordination is performed (Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood).
Confers the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood, unless it has already been conferred.
Ordains the person to an office in the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood and bestows the rights, powers, and authority of that office. (Priesthood keys are not bestowed when conferring the priesthood or ordaining to an office, except when ordaining a bishop.)
Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

To ordain a person to a priesthood office after he has already had the priesthood conferred upon him, the person who performs the ordination omits step 3.

An ordination is an opportunity to give a blessing. Detailed counsel and instruction about a person’s duties are given before and after the ordination. They should not be the focus of the blessing. It is not necessary to have prayers, testimonies, or instruction when someone is ordained.

9.3 Ordination Record and Certificate

After a Melchizedek Priesthood ordination, the stake clerk completes the Melchizedek Priesthood Ordination Record and prepares an ordination certificate. The certificate is signed by the stake president and given to the person.

After an Aaronic Priesthood ordination, the ward clerk completes the Aaronic Priesthood Ordination Record and prepares an ordination certificate. The certificate is signed by the bishop and given to the person.

A person’s current legal name should be used on the ordination record and certificate.

10. Patriarchal Blessings

Every worthy member is entitled to receive a patriarchal blessing, which provides inspired direction from the Lord (see Genesis 48:14; 49; 2 Nephi 4:3–11). Parents and Church leaders encourage members to prepare spiritually to obtain their patriarchal blessings.

The bishop or an assigned counselor interviews members who desire to receive a patriarchal blessing. If the member is worthy, the interviewer prepares a Patriarchal Blessing Recommend. He submits it through the Patriarchal Blessing System.

10.1 Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing

After receiving a recommend, the member contacts the patriarch to set up an appointment to receive a patriarchal blessing. On the day of the appointment, the member should go to the patriarch with a prayerful attitude and in Sunday attire. Members may fast, but fasting is not required.

Each patriarchal blessing is sacred, confidential, and personal. Therefore, it is given in private except for a limited number of family members who may be present.

A person who receives a patriarchal blessing should treasure its words, ponder them, and live to be worthy to receive the promised blessings in this life and in eternity.

Church members should not compare blessings and should not share them except with close family members. Patriarchal blessings should not be read in Church meetings or other public gatherings.

If a patriarchal blessing does not include a declaration of lineage, the patriarch may later give an addendum to declare lineage.

10.2 Obtaining Copies of Patriarchal Blessings

A person who has received a patriarchal blessing should carefully safeguard it. However, if this copy is lost or destroyed, the person may log in to his or her Church account and request a new one. A copy may also be obtained by writing to the following address or calling the following number:

Patriarchal Blessings
15 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1600
Telephone: 1-801-240-3581

A person who requests a copy provides his or her full name, membership record number (if available), and birth date. If possible, the person includes the name of the patriarch and the approximate date of the blessing.

10.3 More Information

For more information about patriarchal blessings, see 0.0 and ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/patriarchal-blessings.html.

11. Setting Apart Members to Serve in Callings

Members who are called and sustained to most Church positions should be set apart to serve in that position (see John 15:16; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11). During the setting apart, the person is given (1) authority to act in the calling and (2) words of blessing as the Spirit directs.

Stake presidents, bishops, and quorum presidents receive keys of presidency when they are set apart. However, the word keys should not be used when setting apart members to serve in other callings, including counselors in presidencies.

Details on calling, ordaining, and setting apart bishops can be found [in the “Callings” chapter].

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sister receiving blessing

11.1 Who Performs the Setting Apart

A setting apart is performed by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He must receive approval from the leader who holds the appropriate priesthood keys or is acting under his direction (see the Chart of Callings [link]). An elder should not act as the voice when a man is set apart to an office that requires him to be a high priest.

Under the direction of the presiding leader, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders may participate in a setting apart. However, only a brother who is temple worthy may act as the voice. Presidents are set apart before their counselors.

A presiding officer may allow a husband or father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood to stand in the circle for the setting apart of his wife or children even if he is not fully temple worthy (see section 3). However, he should not act as the voice.

11.2 Instructions

One or more authorized Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the brother acting as the voice:

Calls the person by his or her full name.
States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Sets the person apart to the calling in the stake, ward, quorum, or class.
Confers keys if the person should receive them.
Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

A setting apart is not a formal meeting with prayers or testimonies. Nor is it a time for giving detailed instructions. Those are given during training, not as part of the blessing.

12. Consecrating Oil

Melchizedek Priesthood holders must consecrate olive oil before it is used to anoint the sick or afflicted (see James 5:14). No other oil may be used. Members should not consume consecrated oil or apply it on afflicted parts of the body.

12.1 Who Performs the Ordinance

One or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders may consecrate oil. They do not need to seek approval from a priesthood leader.

12.2 Instructions

To consecrate the oil, a brother:

Holds an open container of olive oil.
Addresses Heavenly Father as in prayer.
States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Consecrates the oil (not the container) and sets it apart for anointing and blessing the sick and afflicted.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

Consecrating Oil

13. Administering to the Sick

Usually, administering to the sick should be done at the request of the person receiving the blessing or at the request of others who are concerned so the blessing will be according to their faith (see James 5:14; Doctrine and Covenants 24:13–14; 42:43–44, 48–52). If possible, a father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood administers to sick members of his family.

If a person asks for more than one blessing for the same illness, a priesthood holder can give a blessing by the laying on of hands and the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood without another anointing.

If consecrated oil is not available, a blessing may be given by the authority of the priesthood without an anointing.

Priesthood holders who visit hospitals should not solicit opportunities to administer to the sick.

13.1 Who Gives the Blessing

Only Melchizedek Priesthood holders may administer to the sick or afflicted. They do not need to seek approval from a priesthood leader.

Normally, two or more brothers administer to the sick, but one may perform both the anointing and sealing.

13.2 Instructions

Administering to the sick has two parts: anointing with oil and sealing the anointing.

Anointing with oil is done by one Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He:

Puts a drop of consecrated oil on the person’s head.
Places his hands lightly on the person’s head and calls the person by his or her full name.
States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
States that he is anointing with oil that has been consecrated for anointing and blessing the sick and afflicted.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

To seal the anointing, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the one who seals the anointing:

Calls the person by his or her full name.
States that he is sealing the anointing by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

Administering to the Sick

14. Blessings of Comfort and Counsel

14.1 Who Gives the Blessing

Melchizedek Priesthood holders may give blessings of comfort and counsel to family members and to others who request them. These blessings are typically given by family members, ministering brothers, or priesthood leaders. They may be recorded for personal use.

A father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood may give father’s blessings to his children. These may be especially helpful when children go to school, go on missions, get married, enter military service, or face special challenges. Parents encourage their children to seek father’s blessings in times of need.

A Melchizedek Priesthood holder does not need to seek approval from a priesthood leader to give a blessing of comfort and counsel or a father’s blessing.

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father blessing daughter

14.2 Instructions

To give a blessing of comfort and counsel or a father’s blessing, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person’s head. Then the brother acting as the voice:

Calls the person by his or her full name.
States that the blessing is being performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Gives words of blessing, comfort, and counsel as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

15. Dedicating Homes

Church members may have their homes dedicated by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Homes do not need to be owned or free of debt to be dedicated. Unlike Church buildings, homes are not consecrated to the Lord.

15.1 Who Performs the Dedication

A home is dedicated by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. If there is not a Melchizedek Priesthood holder in the home, a family may invite a close friend or relative who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood to dedicate the home. He does not need to seek approval from a priesthood leader.

15.2 Instructions

To dedicate a home, a brother:

Addresses Heavenly Father as in prayer.
States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Dedicates the home as a sacred place where the Holy Spirit can reside and where family members can worship, find safety from the world, grow spiritually, and prepare for eternal family relationships.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

16. Dedicating Graves

16.1 Who Dedicates the Grave

A person who dedicates a grave should hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and be authorized by the priesthood leader who conducts the service. If the family prefers, a graveside prayer may be offered instead. This prayer may be offered by anyone the family chooses.

To act as the voice in dedicating a grave, a brother who is outside his own ward must show a current temple recommend to the presiding leader. Or he may show a Recommend to Perform an Ordinance signed by a member of his bishopric.

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headstones in cemetery

16.2 Instructions

To dedicate a grave, a brother:

Addresses Heavenly Father as in prayer.
States that he is acting by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Dedicates and consecrates the burial plot as the resting place for the body of the deceased.
Prays that the place will be hallowed and protected until the Resurrection (where appropriate).
Asks the Lord to comfort the family and expresses thoughts as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

If a Church member’s body is cremated, the presiding leader uses his judgment to decide whether to dedicate the place where the ashes are kept. He takes into account the family’s wishes and local customs and laws. The brother who acts as the voice adapts the instructions for dedicating a grave.

17. Temple Endowment and Sealing

Information on the temple endowment and sealing ordinances can be found [in the “Temples” chapter].