Father's Blessing

As summer winds down and activities such as school, dance, music lessons, sports, etc. start up again, it is a great time to discuss the Priesthood and a Father's Blessing.

My suggestion is that you have a lesson on the priesthood followed by each child who wants to (along with Mom) getting a Father's Blessing.

Here are some great resources to study as you prepare for this lesson. The first is "The Priesthood"--chapter 13 in Gospel Principles (the manual being used by Priesthood and Relief Society this year). Second is a talk "The Power of the Priesthood" by President Boyd K. Packer given in the April 2010 General Conference. Third is also a talk. This is by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and is titled "Healing the Sick, " and was also given at this past April's Conference.

For the purpose of this lesson, I like the part of Elder Oak's talk that discusses faith. "...the greater responsibility is with him who is blessed...The major element is the faith of the individual when that person is conscious and accountable." This is a quote by President Kimball. These talks mesh together well because President Packer discusses that the father is to preside over the blessings of his family no matter who else is present, and Elder Oaks quotes President Kimball who points out that it doesn't matter who is giving the blessing; the Priesthood is the same. What matters is the faith of the receiver. So receiving a blessing from your father is no less spectacular than if you were to receive it from the Prophet. Elder Oaks says, "...the effect of the blessing is dependent upon faith and the Lord's will, not upon the words spoken by the elder who officiated." This quote is found under the heading "Words of Blessing."

Fourth, you might enjoy reviewing the lesson "Fathers' Blessings" in the Young Women Manual 2.

Song Suggestion: Priesthood Power in Children's Songbook

Father's Blessing