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Understanding Patriarchal Blessings is an excellent source for all who seek information about the blessings which guide and influence Latter-day Saints throughout the world. It is especially valuable for those who are preparing to receive their own patriarchal blessing.
The book gives answers for many frequently asked questions. It explains the office and calling of a patriarch, tells what a patriarchal blessing actually is, and describes what purposes the blessing is intended to achieve. Important objectives such as the declaring of lineage, understanding who we are and what we can achieve, and a blessing's function as an instrument for encouragement and comfort are carefully explained.
A chapter is devoted to properly preparing for a patriarchal blessing. The steps that candidates should follow are outlined from Church publications. Another chapter explains how patriarchal blessings are given, and how written copies are made available to blessing recipients.
Questions sometimes arise concerning how patriarchal blessings are to be understood and interpreted. The book quotes explanations from various Church authorities that deal with the most frequently expressed queries. Another chapter gives valuable suggestions for how individuals can live to receive the rich blessings that patriarchal blessings often contain.
Understanding Patriarchal Blessings has been carefully prepared. It conveys respect for the sacred nature of patriarchal blessings. It cites numerous sources, and documents those sources so readers can seek further information. The authors have written their book in simple language, and in a format which can be read and enjoyed by Latter-day Saints of all ages. It is an especially appropriate book for LDS youth who are approaching the age when patriarchal blessings are most frequently given.
Horizon Publishers takes pleasure in being the publishers of this excellent book, recognizing that it has been a valuable addition to Latter-day Saint literature.
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Dedication, 5
Acknowledgment, 6
Preface, 7
1. The Office of a Patriarch, 11
The History of Patriarchs, 11
The Purpose for Having Church Patriarchs, 16
How Patriarchs are Chosen, 17
The Priesthood of a Patriarch, 18
The Office of "Patriarch to the Church", 18
The Position and Responsibility of Stake Patriarchs, 20
The Preparation of Patriarchs, 21
The Two Types of Patriarchs: Ordained and Natural, 24
2. The Definition of a Patriarchal Blessing, 31
Defining "Patriarchal Blessings", 31
The Difference Between Patriarchal Blessings and Other Blessings, 32
The Difference Between Patriarchal Blessings and Fortune Telling, 37
3. The Purposes of a Patriarchal Blessing, 43
The Declaration of Lineage, 43
Understanding Who We Are and What We Can Achieve, 46
An Instrument for Encouragement and Comfort, 48
4. The Contents of a Patriarchal Blessing, 53
What Patriarchal Blessings Usually Contain, 53
The Heading of Patriarchal Blessings, 53
The Opening of Patriarchal Blessings, 54
The Body or General Text of Patriarchal Blessings, 55
The Closing of Patriarchal Blessings, 57
Scriptural Examples of Patriarchal Blessings, 58
5. Preparing for a Patriarchal Blessing, 61
Patriarchal Blessings Are for All Church Members, 61
When to Receive a Patriarchal Blessing, 63
Missionaries & Patriarchal Blessings, 65
The Steps in Obtaining a Patriarchal Blessing, 67
6. Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing, 73
A Patriarch's Interview and Blessing, 73
Receiving Written Copies of Patriarchal Blessings, 75
One Patriarchal Blessing Is Usually Enough, 77
7. Understanding a Patriarchal Blessing, 81
How to Understand or Interpret Patriarchal Blessings, 81
People Can Be from Different Lineages—Even Within Families, 82
Patriarchal Blessings Do Not Outline Everything That WIll Happen, 85
Promises Within a Patriarchal Blessing Are Conditioned Upon Faithful Living, 87
Patriarchal Blessings Should Be Viewed from an Eternal Perspective, 89
People Should Use Discretion When Sharing or Discussing Patriarchal Blessings, 95
Patriarchal Blessings Should Be Read Periodically and Prayerfully, 96
8. Living a Patriarchal Blessing, 99
Acquire Appreciation for the Significance of Patriarchal Blessings, 99
Faithfulness Brings Fulfillment of Patriarchal Blessings, 101
Bibliography, 103
Index, 107
About the Authors, 111
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