Enhancing Your Discipleship with Your Patriarchal Blessing

Brothers and sisters, I'm thankful.Today, I'm thankful that we could be here, where we could sing a hymn—and sing so well—and invite the Spirit; that we could have a prayer, where Josh would invite the Spirit; to prepare us for a testimony, to invite the Spirit; to have a musical number, to invite the Spirit to be with us.

The Spirit will be here. I hope you will allow Him to enter your hearts and teach you as I speak today.

I also want to talk a little bit about love. I feel loved today and have for a while. For the last two or three days—and week, perhaps—I have felt loved at the college, as people have said, “You’re doing the devotional? I can’t wait! I’m looking forward to it.” I felt loved. I feel loved as friends have come, interrupted their schedules and things that they would do, and have come to support me.I feel loved as my sister came with her husband and niece who came in from Erda.I feel loved as my daughter came, took a day off work, and came from the south end of the valley.And last night, as my other daughter drove for nine hours to be here with her husband to listen—and then drive for nine hours back today—I feel loved.I hope that, as I talk today, you can feel loved as well.

I'm excited to be here with Sister Jensen today. She's my friend, my companion, my partner, and has been for 50 years, and will be forever. I think she's excited to be sitting there and have me standing here.

You know, at times in our Church callings, we've held callings that have not allowed us to share closely together and collaborate closely because of confidentiality or things like that. The topic that I want to talk about today is one where we were blessed to work very closely together.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you. I feel inspired as I plan to talk with you about a subject that is near and dear to my heart—one that I consider to be sacred. I hope that you'll feel inspired as well by the time I conclude.

Several weeks ago, probably months ago now, we had the opportunity to listen to Elder Rob Gibbon as he gave a devotional. He showed pictures of the tools of a shoemaker. I spent much of my career working as an electrician, and I understand the importance of good tools. I used many tools in that trade—including my trusty screwdrivers.

I think that it's important that we know about the tools that are available to us, the tools that help us to accomplish the things we need to do.

So, in thinking of tools, I walked around the campus several times and talked to groups and individuals and asked two questions.
Those questions were:

1. What is the mission of Ensign College?
2. What tools have you been given to help you accomplish that?

President Kush, you'll be happy to know that everyone I asked knew what the mission of Ensign College was. Some had the words maybe a little bit different, but they all knew the mission of Ensign College.

The answer to the second question was varied and included many things. Some of those are shown on the screen. I heard such things as: scriptures, support services, devotionals, activities, advisors, tutors, and many other important things.

May I suggest another tool you’ve been given? It’s your patriarchal blessing. I think it is an essential tool that can help you.I want to start by saying: if there’s anybody here who has not yet received your blessing, I strongly suggest you do that sooner rather than later.More than that, I plead with you to obtain this gift from your Heavenly Father. Make an appointment with your bishop, and then get a recommend, and then act upon that recommend and see your patriarch and receive a blessing from God. God is good, and God is generous. He wants to bless you. He wants you to have this blessing.This blessing can help you in your life in more ways than you can imagine.

President Russell M. Nelson, in speaking of patriarchal blessings, said:"It is precious. It is personal scripture to you."President Boyd K. Packer, in quoting President Harold B. Lee, said:"A patriarchal blessing is a paragraph from the book of your possibilities."And finally, President Thomas S. Monson said:

"Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way."
He continued:
"A patriarchal blessing contains chapters from your life’s book of possibilities. To you, it will be as a lighthouse on the hill—warning of dangers and directing you to the tranquility of safe harbors. It is a prophetic utterance from the lips of one called and ordained to provide you with such a blessing."

Can you see why President House mentioned your patriarchal blessing several times in an Ensign College devotional just a few weeks ago, when he invited you to have a purpose-driven life?Your blessing can help you find that purpose.

Your blessing can help you in so many ways.If you have a difficult decision to make with respect to your educational journey, in trying to find a job or an internship, in your relationships, as you consider marriage, or in any other aspect of your life, I feel confident that you can use your blessing to help you.If you have troubles or challenges.If you think your life is unsettled or wonder about your place in this world,I believe your blessing can help.

I told you that I have used many tools in my life. I showed you two—my trusty screwdrivers. I've used tools that are much more complicated in their use and application.Just a quick example of one such tool: electricians often use multimeters in their work. I've used several kinds of meters in my work.At one time, even though I had been using a meter for many years—probably decades—I thought it might be helpful to me to actually read the instruction book.I did that and watched several videos on how to use a meter properly. I learned so much more about that tool.I wanted to share that knowledge, and since I often did electrical training, I found that I could develop a significant training module for the electricians I trained on how to use their meters.So not only do I think that tools are helpful but knowing how to use your tools better is also very important.

With that thought in mind, I would like to mention ten things that you can do to have your blessing be a tool in helping you become a capable and trusted disciple of Jesus Christ.

Ten ways that you can use your blessing to gain and grow more than you might think.Oh, and by the way, this discussion is for everyone here.The need to become more capable and trusted is not limited to students. It is for all who are here, regardless of age or what role you currently fill.That need is essential for everyone.As I mention these items, I’d have you know that they’re not all necessarily original ideas to me.When I was called and ordained to the office of a patriarch, I felt the weight. I did and I do feel the weight of a patriarch.I did a lot of study and research.I read.I read books and articles.And so, some of the things that I will mention are probably influenced by the research and study that I did.

So here are my suggestions:
First, read your patriarchal blessing out loud.Your blessing is delivered aloud, and I think there might be times when you learn different things when you hear it, as opposed to reading it.When Sister Jensen and I worked to transcribe and finalize blessings, one of the things that we learned was to have me read it out loud to her.(Now, lest you think we did something improper, I will point out that Sister Jensen was called and set apart to serve as a scribe to the patriarch.)But there is something different between reading it silently and reading it out loud.When I read at that time, I would read for phrasing and punctuation. She would be listening for content and understanding.Hearing a blessing aloud is certainly different than reading it silently.

In 2020, as part of the “How I Hear Him” series, then Elder (now President) Jeffrey R. Holland said:
“One of the greatest lessons I have learned about prayer is the power that comes in praying out loud.For me, there is something about saying the words.It is one of the most meaningful ways I have found to really reach through to heaven and hear the Lord’s voice. We need to carve out time—good time, high-priority time—when we can kneel, if possible, and be vocal. Say the words.”

I think the same is true of your blessing.Even as a vocal prayer is different than a silent prayer, vocalizing your blessing is a different experience than reading it.Occasionally, take the time. Find a place. Prepare.And then read it out loud.

Number two: consider rewriting your patriarchal blessing.What does your blessing say when you put it in your words?I will share—at times, it is very hard to put spiritual thoughts, impressions, and feelings into our language.As a patriarch, sometimes I would struggle with what I would receive, and how I would say that.I think if you carefully and prayerfully read and write the sentences and what the paragraphs mean to you, it will give you additional inspiration and understanding of your blessing.You might ask, “How can I do that?”Well, it’s your blessing, your gift, your inspired instruction.You’ve been given the gift of the Holy Ghost; ask Him to teach you how to do it.Now please, don’t be silly about this.It’s a serious task and pursuit—so treat it as such.

Number three: list your spiritual gifts.One of the purposes of a blessing could be to help you find and understand the spiritual gifts you've been given.In the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants—that is this week's Come, Follow Me lesson, by the way—it mentions that all are given at least one gift of the Spirit. In my experience, often more than one is mentioned to an individual.It would be well worth your time to understand the gifts that are listed in your blessing for you.Your blessing might state exactly what a gift is, and at other times, it might be told to you, but in language that would require you to study to find all the gifts you're blessed with.I recall that one time after I had delivered a blessing, as I was escorting the family to the door of the house—our house—so they could leave, the father turned to me and said, “Well, you didn't give him any spiritual gifts.” I wasn't sure at the moment if I had or not.You see, when I delivered blessings, I really didn't know what was in the blessing until later, when I would work to finalize it.In this case, I paid attention to the spiritual gifts mentioned in the blessing as I worked to finalize it.I found that there were many spiritual gifts listed there, but the language was not, “I give you the gift of…” It was more like, “You've been able to…” or “You are given…” or “You can…” or terms such as that.Look for the gifts and not the language.Learn what spiritual gifts are.You might be amazed at what prophets and apostles have said about spiritual gifts.

Fourth, see if there's an overall theme to your blessing.I’ve been amazed, as I worked to finalize blessings, at how often a theme runs through the blessing. I would suspect that if the Lord had your patriarch tell you something three or four times in your blessing, you might want to pay close attention to that.When I searched my own blessing for a theme, I was amazed at how quickly I found it.I also realized how very appropriate, or necessary, or vital, I don’t know what adjective to use—but how important that theme is in my life.

Fifth, consider memorizing your blessing.That’s not something I’d say you have to do, but I know that there are many people who have found great value in memorizing some documents such as: “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” or “The Living Christ.”Perhaps if there’s value in memorizing those documents, can you imagine that there may be value to you in memorizing a personal document, your blessing?If you choose not to memorize it, please at least become very familiar with it.

Sixth, read your ancestors’ blessings.Did you know you can request copies of your deceased direct ancestors’ blessings?When you do that, you might consider the following:

• What do you have in common?
• Is there something in their blessing that you can, will, or should fulfill?
• Does reading their blessings bring a different meaning to your blessing?

One experience that I had: I recall giving a blessing wherein it was told directly to that person that they would be the means of fulfilling parts of their ancestor's blessings. Not common—but that was true in that case.

Number seven, make lists.Do you remember when, in October 2017 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson asked us to read the Book of Mormon? And he talked about lists of things that he made that were found in that book of scripture?Perhaps you could do the same thing with your patriarchal blessing.Read it and make lists.

• What are your gifts?
• What are your promised blessings?
• What admonitions have you been given?
• What promises are made directly to you?
• What provides peace and hope for you?
• Where is Jesus Christ mentioned directly or alluded to in your blessing?

Think of other things that you could watch for and make lists of.Don't do this just once. Your blessing will grow as you grow, change as you change, and expand as you expand.

Eighth, learn of your lineage.
One of the most important parts, if not the most important part, of your blessing is the declaration of lineage.When people came to me to receive a blessing, we would spend time and talk about patriarchal blessings. We would speak about the process and what might be contained in their blessing. I would often say to the person, “Well, you might have this, or you might have that—but you will have declared to you lineage.”Declaration of lineage is important.I could spend a whole devotional talking about lineage. But for today, I will just tell you that it's important.Find in the scriptures where your tribe was blessed.Generally, at least two places in the Old Testament, and other places in scripture.What you find, and where you find it, will depend upon the lineage that was declared to you.See what Latter-day prophets have said about your tribe.Find the blessings promised and the responsibilities assigned.You might also have to spend some time researching what scholars have said about tribes and their responsibilities and blessings.I learned much by reading the writings of Kerry Muhlestein, Brad Wilcox, Alonzo Gaskill, and others on this topic.There is much information available.

Number nine, put it into the context of what is happening in your life right now.What does your blessing say to you to address that?A bit of a personal example: I had the opportunity to give a temple recommend interview with someone I’ll call John.At the end of the interview, I asked John if there was anything else he wanted to know or talk about. Now, I know that the person who gives a temple recommend interview represents God in doing that. I know that.John thought that as well.He asked me a question about his family. He wanted an answer.He wanted an answer from God, and he wanted it right then. I’m sure I stumbled about a bit, and I gave him some kind of an answer.I was troubled and pondered about that for several days.The following Sunday, as I sat in sacrament meeting, the answer was clearly given to me.I could not wait till after the meeting to go home and call John and tell him:"The answer is in your patriarchal blessing."Now, I don’t know what it was in his blessing.But I know it didn’t say anything like, “You should take a new job next week,” or “You should move to a new town next month.”I don’t know what the answer to the question was.But I do know—because it was revealed to me—that the answer was to be found in his blessing.

One more example, perhaps a bit more recent and more personal.When Sister Jensen and I arrived on our mission, we were given the assignment to begin service here at Ensign College.Very soon after that, we attended a mission devotional.One of the speakers at that devotional was a dear sister who was nearing the end of her mission service. She mentioned how, early on in her mission, it was hard—so hard, she even wanted to leave.I thought, “How could such a thing happen?”A short time later, I found myself in a similar situation.I wasn’t contributing anything to our group. In fact, I knew I was slowing them and dragging them down.I thought, “I should read my blessing.” And so I did.Guess what it says?Nothing about Ensign College.It says nothing about serving a senior mission.It does not even say anything about being a missionary at all.I read my blessing several times more.And when I approached it with the question, “Here’s what’s happening to me now,” then, and only then, did it speak to me about what was happening to me at that moment.I was able to draw understanding and peace from my blessing.

Number ten, do not assume that your blessing is complete or fulfilled.Do you remember that Nephi was commanded to make a second record, the small plates, for a purpose that he knew not?He did that. Nephi was obedient.Many years later, Alma the Younger mentioned that the teachings on the small plates of Nephi had been instrumental in bringing about the conversion of the Lamanites when the sons of Mosiah had taught them.What would have happened if, when Mormon was abridging the plates, he said,“Well, I guess those did their job,” and did not include them?Would we be missing something?Now, how about when those who were translating and putting together the books of the Bible would have read Isaiah and said,“Well, the things that he talked about have already happened. We don’t need this book. Besides, it’s hard to understand. Let’s leave it out.” Would we be missing something now?Okay, I realize—the Lord would never have let those things happen.The point is that those records’ purpose was not complete, though some might have assumed they were, since they seemed to have accomplished what they were written for.

President Gordon B. Hinckley recounted that his blessing mentioned he would have opportunity to testify in defense of the gospel in the great capitals of the world.He served a mission in England, where he bore testimony in London and other important cities in England.After his mission, he did as missionaries at that time were wont to do and he toured Europe.While doing that, he had the opportunity to bear testimony in Berlin and Paris in Europe, and in New York and Washington, D.C.He mentioned that at that time, he felt that part of his blessing was complete.Do you think it was?I think perhaps he had more opportunities.

I want you to know you are an eternal being.Your Father in Heaven is an eternal Father. The blessings He gives you are eternal blessings.Don’t assume they’re complete. You have things to look forward to.

I encourage you to use your blessing.Consider what it is for.More and more, I think one of the greatest things that you can do is use your blessing as a springboard to receive personal revelation.Personal revelation that we all need so much in our lives.

Your patriarchal blessing is your scripture.Study it. Ponder it.See what else the Lord will bless you with as you do that.I think this is a sacred topic, and your blessing should be sacred to you.

I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God.He is our Savior and our Redeemer.I testify that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father, and Heavenly Father does have a blessing for each of us.I know that from personal revelation that I was blessed to be given.If there is one thing that I felt strongly as I delivered blessings, and Sister Jensen has mentioned that she felt strongly as she transcribed blessings, it is the love of God for those who are being blessed.While I haven’t delivered a blessing to anyone here—I don’t think—I’m confident that your patriarch felt that too.I hope that you had those feelings as your blessing was delivered, and that those feelings return each time that you read and study your blessing.

I testify to you that when you received your blessing, it was from your Heavenly Father. It was not a blessing from the patriarch, but from God—through your patriarch.I know that if you will accept what He has given you, it can make a difference in your life.I know that using your blessing can help you develop as a capable and trusted disciple of Jesus Christ.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1. Russell M. Nelson, “Thanks for the Covenant”, BYU Devotional, November 22, 1988
2. Boyd K. Packer, “The Stake Patriarch”, General Conference, October 2002
3. Thomas S. Monson, “Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light”, General Conference, October 1988
4. Jeffery R. Holland, “How I Hear Him”, #HearHim
5. Marvin J. Ashton, “There Are Many Gifts”, General Conference, October 1987; Gordon B. Hinckley, “Ten Gifts from the Lord,” General Conference, 1985; M. Russell Ballard, “Precious Gifts from God”, General Conference, April 2018
6. Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It”, General Conference, October 2017
7. See: Kerry Muhlstein, “God Will Prevail”; Alonzo Gaskill, “65 Questions and Answers About Patriarchal Blessings”; Brad Wilcox, “Born to Change the World”
8. Alma 37:9
9. See: Gordon B. Hinckley address, 2005 Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, for Patriarchs