LDS Freedom Forum

Is it appropriate for priesthood holders to actively solicit opportunities to give priesthood blessings? It has been my understanding that this was not appropriate, but someone in priesthood yesterday told the brethren that we should be actively seeking opportunities to give blessings. He even repeatedly said we should do so with "boldness", and he said we should do it even if we risked being "offensive"! He said we could apologize later, if need be!

I wondered if this might cross the line of "boldness" to being "overbearing", but I couldn't think of a specific Conference talk or scripture to challenge him with, so I remained silent. I thought I'd do some research later and then call him to discuss it. (Ironically, the lesson was supposed to be on Pres. Eyring's February First Presidency message regarding prayer, but that subject was glossed over in about five minutes. The lesson got co-opted by this discussion about seeking blessing opportunities.)

He even challenged us all to do so with all our home teaching families right away. He even suggested that if we didn't, we aren't doing our priesthood duty. The entire meeting was spent talking about seeking opportunities to solicit blessings. No one even raised a question about the appropriateness of it. I was stunned at the suggestion, and that no one raised any questions about it!

It seems appropriate to me to let people know that we are available and willing to give blessings, if they request them, but this is my first encounter with a person who is actively seeking such events. I also have no problem with asking a person if they need a blessing if the Spirit prompts me to do so, especially if that person is enduring some great trial or important event in their life.

About five years ago, I asked this same brother to go to a home teaching appointment with me (he wasn't my assigned companion at the time) to visit a single sister. (My own companion had a sudden conflict arise, and I didn't feel that it was appropriate for me to enter the home of a single sister alone.) While there, he solicited an opportunity to bless her. I could tell she was embarrassed and flustered, but she didn't decline. I think she felt pressured, and it was easier to accept than question his motives. It certainly caught me off guard. I had planned to talk to him about it afterwards, but time passed and I forgot about the incident.

Does anyone know of any historical precedences of men seeking opportunities to give blessings? Were they reprimanded or asked to cease seeking such opportunities? I recall a brother in another ward 20 years ago seeking such opportunities, but I don't remember what happened. He even became somewhat of a blessing Rock Star for his flamboyant blessings. Are there any examples in early Church history of such activities?

I noticed in Handbook 2 that blessings of the sick and afflicted should be given only if "requested". It also indicated that seeking opportunities in a hospital to administer to the sick is not appropriate.

I seem to recall in the past that we were taught in the Priesthood Session of General Conference that actively seeking or soliciting blessing opportunities was not to be done, but a search of the Church website wasn't very fruitful for me. Searching for the term "priesthood blessing(s)" and "request" or "solicit" wasn't much of a help. Either I got so many hits that it was worthless, or I got no hits at all.

Any help on this question would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

when moved upon by the spirit of prophecy?

Follow the handbook.....its there for a reason.

I've moved from the "never offer priesthood blessings" camp (before I received the Priesthood) to the "offer priesthood blessings with wisdom and discretion" camp.

If you discern a need for a blessing in someone's life, and you know you could give one in righteousness, offer to do so! It is possible to do so with boldness but not be overbearing (i.e., take a "no" as a "no", don't waver or second-guess).

The first blessing I gave was to a sick friend. I asked if she would like one and she immediately said yes. I was prompted to inform her that the sickness would pass, and she was not "sick unto death". I have no idea why I was prompted to say that- but she did begin recovering the moment she got home (her words). I've given a few other blessings since, but I haven't been so accutely guided in what to say.

I believe I wouldn't have been impressed so directly unless I'd been proactively using my Priesthood to bless someone who needed it (using the gift of discernment). Part of the equation was my willingness and worthiness to serve, the other part was her willingness and worthiness to receive a blessing under the hand of the priesthood.

A priesthood holder should act according to what the Spirit dictates to them concerning each situation they are in. No manual should override the Spirit.

If the Spirit prompts a priesthood holder to offer to give a blessing than he should do so. The person then has the right to turn it down or to accept the blessing. The priesthood holder isn't forcing the person by offering. He is following the spirit and doing as dictated by the Lord. Also, sometimes a person needs a priesthood holder to offer... it takes a second witness for a person to realize that they do need a blessing.

I cant copy the reference because I am typing this on my kindle, but the answer is in
D&C 24:13-14.

http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=7087" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mark wrote:http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=7087

great find Mark
this is a good read in entirety

...........A man who lived in a community in Utah had a mighty gift of healing. People sought him out for blessings, many coming from outside his ward and stake. In time, he made almost a profession of giving blessings. As part of his travels to various communities, he came to the apartments of BYU students, asking if they wanted blessings. This man had lost sight of the revealed direction on spiritual gifts: "always remembering for what they are given" (D&C 46:8). A spiritual gift is given to benefit the children of God, not to magnify the prominence or gratify the ego of the person who receives it. The professional healer who forgot that lesson gradually lost the companionship of the Spirit and was eventually excommunicated from the Church.

Hustling blessings is bad news and shows poor understanding of the priesthood- is compulsion. rather, better to simply identify that if appropriate, you- as either the home teacher or person with a stewardship, would be happy to come around and provide a blessing should they desire that- or arrange for an appropriate person to do so


not related, i love this comment

4. Closely related to this example is the person who has a strong desire to be led by the Spirit of the Lord but unwisely extends that strength to the point of desiring to be led in all things. A desire to be led by the Lord is a strength, but it needs to be accompanied by an understanding that our Heavenly Father leaves many decisions for our personal choices. Personal decision making is one of the sources of the growth we are meant to experience in mortality. Persons who try to shift all decision making to the Lord and plead for revelation in every choice will soon find circumstances where they pray for guidance and don't receive it. For example, this is likely to occur in those numerous circumstances where the choices are trivial or w here either choice is acceptable. We should study things out in our minds, using the reasoning powers our Creator has placed within us. Then we should pray for guidance and act upon it if we receive it, and upon our best judgment if we do not. Persons who persist in seeking revelatory guidance on subjects on which the Lord has not chosen to direct us may concoct an answer out of their own fantasy or bias, or they may even receive an answer through the medium of false revelation. Revelation from God is a sacred reality, but like other sacred things it must be cherished and used properly so that a great strength does not become a disabling weakness.

serenitylala wrote:A priesthood holder should act according to what the Spirit dictates to them concerning each situation they are in. No manual should override the Spirit.

If the Spirit prompts a priesthood holder to offer to give a blessing than he should do so. The person then has the right to turn it down or to accept the blessing. The priesthood holder isn't forcing the person by offering. He is following the spirit and doing as dictated by the Lord. Also, sometimes a person needs a priesthood holder to offer... it takes a second witness for a person to realize that they do need a blessing.

fine line, but i find "would you like a blessing" almost coercive, whereas "I am available to provide/ organise a blessing should you feel appropriate" is in opinion the correct way to do things

As Elder Oaks said in that talk

Revelation from God is a sacred reality, but like other sacred things it must be cherished and used properly so that a great strength does not become a disabling weakness.

and

...........may concoct an answer out of their own fantasy or bias, or they may even receive an answer through the medium of false revelation.


This is precisely WHY the manual is still necessary.

I am pretty much in agreement with Aussie. I have always waited to be asked. When I was on a mission in Japan, if someone we were teaching had an illness in the family, we let them know that a priesthood blessing was available, since otherwise they wouldn't know to ask. But here in Utah, if someone was ill, I generally did not offer. Occassionally I was moved to ask "Would you like a priesthood blessing?" or similar. I was once in a hospital and they asked for any LDS that could give a blessing to please come to the nurses station, and I responded to that and had a very wonderful experience...that's not soliciting though, obviously.

I had heard the story about the guy that practically went door to door asking if anyone needed a blessing. I feel that is very inappropriate.

sbenard wrote:Is it appropriate for priesthood holders to actively solicit opportunities to give priesthood blessings? It has been my understanding that this was not appropriate, but someone in priesthood yesterday told the brethren that we should be actively seeking opportunities to give blessings. He even repeatedly said we should do so with "boldness", and he said we should do it even if we risked being "offensive"! He said we could apologize later, if need be!

Not sure why but I have a very hard time asking for a blessing. Well heck I have a hard time asking for anything! I think my home teachers feel this after a short timing getting to know me better so yes they do offer me blessings. Yes I do look uncomfortable only because I have issues with people doing kind thoughtful things for me. I know stupid... it's something I've always struggled with. I'm a work in progress

I am very thankful that they do offer it and at times press it with me because if they didn't I don't think I would have asked even once for a blessing. And believe me I need them! In my heart I know that when they do ask to give me a blessing that it is the spirit guiding them. It's always timed when I truly do need one.

First and foremost, a blessing requires the recipient to demonstrate an act of faith. Thus the request for the recipient to ask. If the recipient does not show the faith necessary then the blessing is of no effect. There are times where it is appropriate to ask but that is only by promptings of the Spirit. The scenario above concerns me and someone needs to pull that brother aside.

serenitylala wrote:A priesthood holder should act according to what the Spirit dictates to them concerning each situation they are in. No manual should override the Spirit.

If the Spirit prompts a priesthood holder to offer to give a blessing than he should do so. The person then has the right to turn it down or to accept the blessing. The priesthood holder isn't forcing the person by offering. He is following the spirit and doing as dictated by the Lord. Also, sometimes a person needs a priesthood holder to offer... it takes a second witness for a person to realize that they do need a blessing.

+1

My mom, when she wants a priesthood blessing, will not ask but will mention it nonchalantly. After that, if asked she will always say "tomorrow". It takes about a week of asking "would you like a blessing?" before she finally says "yes, I'd like one today". If left to herself, she would never ask- and priesthood blessings have been key in recovery from some serious illnesses she's battled with over the years.

KFLUS wrote: First and foremost, a blessing requires the recipient to demonstrate an act of faith. Thus the request for the recipient to ask. If the recipient does not show the faith necessary then the blessing is of no effect. There are times where it is appropriate to ask but that is only by promptings of the Spirit. The scenario above concerns me and someone needs to pull that brother aside.

Which scenario?

I've wondered about this a lot.

I understand the impropriety of the door to door approach. Nevertheless, Christ was not always, that we know of, asked before he healed.

My question particularly revolves around those with mental illness. Often they do not recognize or acknowledge that they have a problem and thus do not ask for help.

If Christ were here I believe he would heal those individuals.

As RS pres, I've seen many families torn apart by serious mental illness. I have never had a Bishop (or other leader) fast and pray to know if those people should be given a blessing of healing.

I understand that all will be made right in the eternities. But what misery those families endure here and now.

Most definitely, a person should not go door-to-door, as it were, soliciting blessing-giving. Serenity said it perfectly.

I would very much like a blessing for a certain health issue I have, but I have not felt comfortable asking anyone. It is something that most men I am aware of would have no faith for. In fact, their doubt would probably tear down the faith I do have in regards to this thing. I would need someone with faith and/or the gift of healing to give me a blessing because my faith, alone, is not strong enough in this particular need. In this issue, I would feel it a blessing and an honor for a priesthood holder, spurred by the Holy Spirit, to offer me a healing blessing.

Twice, I was healed almost instantly from illness. Both times, I never told the priesthood holder what I wanted the blessing for; therefor, his lack of faith did not tear down the faith I had. I have learned the hard way that it is safer to not give details of any kind.

In any case, I would say a person should be close enough to the Spirit to know when to offer a blessing and when not to. If one is told to offer a blessing, by the Spirit, but refuses because the handbook (or some other man with authority) has commanded against it, there will be a time of regret at some point in your life. Following the Spirit is vital; following a man, policies, and so forth is not.

ETA: I forgot to address liberty2's concerns. This hits home with me. There are definitely times when one is going through serious issues, but for whatever reason they are unable to ask for a blessing. Asking, fasting, finding out if God wills a person or people to give blessings could be the turning point for the hell these people are going through.

Matthew.B wrote: My mom, when she wants a priesthood blessing, will not ask but will mention it nonchalantly. After that, if asked she will always say "tomorrow". It takes about a week of asking "would you like a blessing?" before she finally says "yes, I'd like one today". If left to herself, she would never ask- and priesthood blessings have been key in recovery from some serious illnesses she's battled with over the years.

note to mum: faith must be > fear in order to progress spiritually

Gideon wrote:...the answer is in D&C 24:13-14.

D&C 24:14
And these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written.

Thanks to all for your comments. There were some great perspectives that hadn't occurred to me before.

In my situation, this particular brother was telling us to solicit blessings with EVERYONE, and insisting that we do it right away! Now, I have the answer I needed.

Gideon, this scripture WAS the answer I was looking for. My memory banks were telling me it was in the D&C, but I couldn't remember the precise verbiage or the reference. There is no better response than the Lord's word in the scriptures themselves.

I have printed Elder Oaks' talk with the attendant story about the man with the gift of healing, and I will review it thoroughly. My own patriarchal blessing tells me this is my gift, but I've always felt that I should only use it when "requested". I felt that to do otherwise risked practicing priestcraft by "becoming popular" as Nehor did (see Alma 1:3).

It is similar to experiences when people boast about sacred experiences they have had rather than keeping them sacred (as we are told in the temple ordinance). We have another brother in our HP group that boasts constantly about his revelations. In one meeting a few months ago, I stopped counting after the eighth time he boasted in one meeting. He often prefaces it with, "I'm not trying to boast, but..." He even declared on that occasion that it was revealed to him that the Savior Himself was next to him in person. He often does it as a way of trying to prevent someone questioning him or the validity of his ideas. After all, who wants to be known as someone that questions a "revelation from the Lord"? He uses it as a way of shutting out other ideas from the HP group. When we make sacred things become common-place, then we are making light, and perhaps even trivializing, sacred things. (see Alma 12:9). I've always felt somewhat awkward on those occasions when someone seemed overly eager to broadcast their sacred experiences to the world. That is not the Lord's way! (See Matt 7:6)

I was also particularly moved by the suggestion that there is a need in the recipient to make the request as an expression of their own faith. Faith, indeed, must precede the miracle! Did not the Lord say, "ASK, and ye shall receive"? There are good reasons and principles involved in why the Lord taught the need to ASK before receiving His hand of help! And if we don't ask, then... I hadn't thought about that before reading the ideas posted here. Asking, I suppose, is part of taking responsibility for ourselves, our needs, and our spiritual well-being. I wonder how many times we lose blessings and divine assistance of all kinds because we are too timid, or too proud, to plead divine providence! Asking requires humility on our parts.

I KNEW I could count on an answer from this group, and I got it!

Thanks a million times for the help from all.

Something else struck me after my previous reading and comment.

Some of the sisters in this forum seemed to want the brethren to take the lead in asking, and the brethren wanted the sisters to -- kinda like a marriage proposal! )

Some things never change!