Patriarchal Blessings

Before his death, the prophet and patriarch Jacob gathered his family. Jacob (also known as Israel) blessed and counseled his posterity.

Read Genesis 48:8–9 and Genesis 49:1–2, and tag the passages as “patriarchal blessings.” As you study today, use the “patriarchal blessings” tag to save the statements and scriptures you read.

In our day, “Every worthy, baptized member is entitled to receive a patriarchal blessing, which provides inspired direction from Heavenly Father” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 18.17).

To help you appreciate the sacred nature of patriarchal blessings and the importance of keeping them personal, review the following statements:

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. (General Handbook, 18.17.1)

Patriarchal blessings have several purposes. One purpose is to provide you with loving counsel from Heavenly Father. Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Seventy explained:

Your patriarchal blessing is a message from your Heavenly Father and will likely include promises and inspired counsel to guide you throughout your life. A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions. If it doesn’t mention an important life event, do not take that to mean you won’t have that opportunity. Likewise, there is no guarantee everything in your blessing will come to pass in this life. A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next. (“When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing,” Liahona, May 2023, 89)

patriarchal blessings, revelation, eternal perspective

Compare patriarchal blessings to the airway marking system discussed at the beginning of the lesson. What similarities do you see?

Another purpose of patriarchal blessings is to help us understand who we are.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

One of the primary reasons we receive a patriarchal blessing is to help us more fully understand who we are as the posterity of Abraham and to recognize the responsibility that rests upon us. …

We were foreordained in the premortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. (“Becoming a Missionary,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 47)

patriarchal blessings, foreordination, Abrahamic covenant

God made a covenant with the prophet Abraham called the Abrahamic covenant. God renewed this covenant with Isaac and Jacob (who is also called Israel; see Genesis 26:3–4; 28:12–15). Jacob’s sons are known as the tribes of Israel. Our patriarchal blessings declare our lineage, either literally or by adoption, in the house of Israel and family of Abraham. All of the tribes can receive the blessings and responsibilities of Abraham’s covenant.

Read Abraham 2:9–11. Mark the blessings and responsibilities the Lord promised Abraham and his posterity.

Answer the following in your notebook:

• What blessings and responsibilities do we have as the posterity of Abraham?

• How can patriarchal blessings help us understand our personal responsibilities?

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, then Young Women General President, encouraged the following:

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Find your patriarchal blessing, blow off the dust if you must, but study it often. If you don’t have one, get one—soon. Don’t delay finding out what the Lord wants to tell you now about who you are. (“Come unto Christ and Don’t Come Alone,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 10)

patriarchal blessings

If you have received your patriarchal blessing, follow Sister Cordon’s counsel to find and study it. Record any insights you have in your notebook. If you have lost your blessing, request a copy at pb.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/pbrequest.

If you haven’t yet received your blessing, consider receiving it. The following directions can help you begin the process:

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. …

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. (General Handbook, 18.17; 18.17.1, Gospel Library).

patriarchal blessings