“Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it…” –Richard G. Scott
I have been thinking a lot about revelation this week, and how the Lord directs us in our lives even when we are not aware. In particular, I have been thinking about Priesthood Blessings, as I was able to receive a blessing of comfort and guidance this week.
Dallin H. Oaks has explained that “In a priesthood blessing a servant of the Lord exercises the priesthood, as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, to call upon the powers of heaven for the benefit of the person being blessed. Such blessings are conferred by holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which has the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church (see D&C 107:18, 67).”
I am blessed to have received numerous Priesthood Blessings in my life. When I was young, my father gave me blessings when I was ill or in need of comfort. Though I knew that he was a worthy Priesthood holder and had the authority to give those blessings, I did not fully appreciate their power. Since my childhood, I have had several more blessings, including a Patriarchal Blessing which I cherish, and blessings that set me apart for specific callings in the Church. Gradually, the power of those blessings has become much more apparent to me. I have seen the promises made in those blessings fulfilled in my life.
The more that I have thought it over this week, the more I feel that my appreciation for Priesthood Blessings has grown in tandem with my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Though I have had a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel for many years, my personal relationship with the Lord has grown immensely in the past six months. As I have worked to purify my life and continue in obedience to the Lord’s commandments, I have gained both an appreciation for the direction which the Lord has given us, and a desire to follow that direction and guidance. I have also found that Priesthood Blessings have a much larger impact on me now, because I am more prepared to receive and follow the counsel they impart.
The blessing that I received this week is one that I truly cherish. Though I could hardly convey my feelings and reasons for wanting a blessing to the man giving it, it was more perfect and beautiful than I could have ever hoped. I know that it was from the Lord, and that it was exactly what He wanted me to hear and know. Though I did not immediately feel comforted, or know exactly what I was supposed to do, the blessing provided me with the tools and the strength to continue to work through things on my own, with the help of the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.
I am so grateful to have the Gospel in my life, and for the blessings of the Priesthood that I have been able to receive. I know that they are divine gifts from the Lord to help us throughout our lives as we seek to know and do His will.