Perhaps one of the most intriguing things missionaries taught me as a 20-year-old New Yorker was that God is real, He is my Father, and I can speak directly to Him. That’s wild. Truly.
Still now, as a member of the Church and mom of three, I say, “Let’s talk to God,” rather than, “Let’s say a prayer.” It just hits different. A privilege I still stand all amazed with. One I went nearly 21 years without.
Imagine my reaction when I learned about priesthood blessings. God, the Creator of the universe, could speak directly to me? Direct, personal, and verbal blessings from God Himself. That’s electrifying. Truly.
Of course, as a convert, there was always a lot that went into finding someone to administer one to me. I never minded. I could not have thought of anything more worth the effort of making call after call, finding someone, anyone, to help me receive direct blessings from my Father in Heaven. Admittedly, it took me several years to realize the term father in father’s blessing typically refers to earthly fathers. And although I still have never gotten a blessing from my earthly father, who is not a member, I still endearingly call priesthood blessings my Father’s blessings.
How Father’s Blessings Strengthen My Family Today
The Church’s General Handbook says we can record father’s blessings for personal use (18.14.1). I’ve recorded every blessing my three kids have ever received from their father. What originally started as writing quickly on a notebook in my lap has now turned to voice-to-text dictate.
I’ve also started what I think is the most powerful thing I have done as a parent: I’ve printed each blessing and kept them in each child’s very own binder. An ongoing collection of intimate and personal words from their God to them specifically.
Not only has this created an outlet to hold on to His counsel, promises, and love given—but it also opens a space where we can see that our God fulfills. And that our God is, in fact, a God of His word. A God of intimate love. And a God of beautiful magnifications.
My children are very comfortable asking for a father’s blessing, and I love that they are. I don’t think this resource is taken advantage of enough.
We also have a 12-year-long tradition for all of us to get New Year’s blessings from my husband. Nothing prepares us for the experience we have reading them at the end of the year and seeing how wildly, profoundly, and intricately God magnified all of His promises in ways we couldn’t have imagined when first received.
My daughter Gracie loves remembering one blessing that mostly spoke of a year full of big changes and getting involved in lots of new things. She received that blessing with pure wonderment about what that could mean. We could never have anticipated that year we would move out of state, go to a new school, make all new friends, make a new travel ice hockey team, start a new instrument, make student council, make the school play, join a book club, and …
It’s an endless list. Wonderment, alright.
My son got a blessing during a time when he was terrified of the dark and falling asleep was so difficult each night. He taped that blessing to his bed and would read God’s comforting counsel over and over every night until he’d finally fall asleep. He’ll tell you that remembering and putting faith in God’s words to him is how he conquered that trial.
Any Time is a Good Time
God has become tangibly real for my family as they’ve seen over and over how much God cares for them, guides them, and magnifies His promises to them in beautiful ways. He cares deeply. God has intricate participation in their personal lives.
I bet I don’t need to sell you on that truth, though. Perhaps this article will just serve as your reminder to text your dad. Ask your spouse. Text your neighbor, friend, or bishop. Whoever. Get a blessing. Now is a good time for one. Any time is a good time for one. You are deserving. You are not an inconvenience.
There is no limit, no number, as your Father will continue to express gratitude for seeking Him out. He has so much He wants to tell you.
Priesthood blessings can be a spiritual lifeline that absolutely alters the trajectory of your life in powerful, beautiful ways.
Hear your Father’s love in great intimacy. Anchor yourself to His voice and His promises. Trust. Hold tight.
See your seasons through. He is participating in personal ways.
You will stand all amazed.
Blessings are transformative. Truly.
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