From:	Marcus Martins

To:	shannon, kyle

Date:	1/21/00 10:45AM

Subject:	Re: Priesthood Blessings

Kyle:

I'm not sure I remember exactly what I said on the subject, but here are a few points I usually discuss whenever anyone asks me about blessings.

Preparation:

Just as the scout's motto says, "be prepared." We must strive to keep ourselves clean and worthy at all times, so when we are asked to "step up to the plate" we will be full of faith and confidence.

The Blessing:

Begin with a prayer, asking (when convenient) for the person who asked for the blessing to offer the prayer. In the prayer, ask for remission of sins (for both the person and the priesthood holders), the power of the Holy Ghost (which "activates" the power of the priesthood), and for the outcome of the ordinance that will be performed (e.g. healing, counsel, comfort, etc.)

The priesthood holders then administer the blessing according to the approved instructions found in the Melchizedek Priesthood Leadership Handbook or in the General Handbook of Instructions.

When it comes to add words of blessing and/or counsel, the Elder who is voice should honestly and dispassionately inspect his feelings to learn what the Lord has to say to the person (Helaman 13:3; D&C 100:5) There is no need to fear; just trust in the Lord and the feelings will come. Translate those feelings into words to the best of one's ability. There is absolutely no need to "embellish" the blessing, nor use catch-phrases, vain repetitions, etc. Just concentrate on whatever feelings and impressions one perceives.

If possible and convenient, have someone record the words of the blessing so it will become "law on earth and in heaven" (D&C 128:9). At least have an entry on someone's personal journal that the blessing took place on such-and-such date, performed by so-and-so.

I also suggest that the Elders pray privately later, and ask the Lord to recognize and confirm the blessing they officiated.

Is this what you wanted to read? If not, let me know. See you next week.

Bro. Martins

>>> kyle shannon <sha95021@ricks.edu> 01/21/00 08:54AM >>>

Brother Martins, last semester in our Book of Mormon class, you once talked

about priesthood blessiings and what you do to prepare personally as well

as preparing the individual to receive the blessing, ie. explaining the

importance, etc. I was wodering if I could get some more information on

that. So that I could apply it. Is that possible?

Thanks,

Kyle Shannon