In the Lord’s true church, priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man. Priesthood keys are the right to use that power.The priesthood is the power by which ordinances are performed, temple work is carried out, and the gospel is preached. We could not receive these ordinances and blessings without priesthood power and authority.
When authorized, we may use priesthood power to bless others, starting with our own family.
We sometimes underestimate the full potential of priesthood power. It is the power to heal the sick, convey spiritual gifts, comfort the despondent, and perform miracles. And more.
In the days of Enoch, God made a promise “that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course, to put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command.” (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:30–31).
The scripture above means that priesthood power is great---almost incomprehensible. In addition to requisite authority, the verse above also shows that one must exercise faith, and bless through divine inspiration.
How does priesthood power work in our day? By the same process as in Enoch’s day.
· An ordained Patriarch gives a patriarchal blessing by the laying on of hands through direct revelation from God. Patriarchal blessings provide personal direction and counsel from the Lord.
· When blessing a child, the worthy priesthood holder listens for divine inspiration and imparts blessings as directed from heaven---with assurance that during that child’s lifetime, all such blessings declared shall be fulfilled as promised.
· When blessing the sick, the worthy priesthood holder is guided to know what to say, according to the will of God.
· When confirming one who is baptized, the worthy priesthood holder will give the gift of the Holy Ghost and impart blessings revealed by divine inspiration.
· A father may bless his wife and children by the same power, as prompted by the Spirit. The pattern is the same.
Doctrinally, the blessing is a priesthood ordinance, which differs in important ways from a prayer. By inspiration and the laying on of hands, the appropriate language of an ordinance is direct, as in “I (or we) bless you...”, rather than as a petition to God, such as “I (or we) ask Thee to bless...”
This difference between a prayer and an ordinance is profound: in the ordinance, the Lord allows a righteous priesthood bearer to act for Him, using His power.
All Melchizedek Priesthood holders should know the exact format of a priesthood blessing, and live worthily to bless by inspiration and power.
“Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” (James 5:14-15)
