Patriarchal Blessings

Our Heavenly Father gives His children the revelations and guidance they need to be successful in this life, and return to live with Him again someday. Many sections in the Doctrine and Covenants help to lay out the doctrines of His church, and how it is to be organized. He tells His children what they can all achieve if they are faithful, and keep their covenants, or promises, that they make with him. Within the Doctrine and Covenants, there are sections that are directed more towards individuals and their needs. Does this mean that those sections do not apply to the general body of the church because they were given to a specific person? No. In section 25, a revelation given to Emma Smith, through her husband the prophet, it says “And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all.” Many of the revelations given to specific individuals in the Doctrine and Covenants are applicable to all people. The principles taught are things that will help everyone to grow closer to our Heavenly Father. But that doesn’t mean that there were not things meant specifically for those people, and them alone. Some of the revelations speak of specific callings that are given to people, and are therefore not applicable to all. In our own lives, Heavenly Father has given us the opportunity to receive our own personal revelations through Patriarchal Blessings. In a Patriarchal Blessing, there are many principles that could be, and are, applicable to all people. Yet, each blessing is not a generic list of general things. Patriarchal Blessings give general guidance, as well as specific counsel and blessings if the recipient is faithful. Something that separates the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants from Patriarchal Blessings is access to them. The Doctrine and Covenants have been published for all to hear and read. The blessings and revelations are not to be kept personal. Yet, Patriarchal Blessings are for the blessing of the recipient, and not for the church as a whole. They are personal, and are not to be shared as a casual thing. As amazing as both Patriarchal Blessings and the Doctrine and Covenants are, they require work on our part to see the blessings. Through a covenant system with our Heavenly Father, we are able to receive His promised blessings. He sets the terms and tells us what we are supposed to do. If we follow His counsel, He has promised us blessings in return. So whether to the whole church, or individuals, Heavenly Father gives us revelations for our blessing and good.