Patriarchal Blessings and the D&C

The fascinating thing about Patriarchal blessings and the Doctrine and Covenants is the overwhelming similarities they share. I know that the Lord answers all of us in individual ways and helps each child on a personal level. Both are written for meaningful study and application. They are to be read and re-read and additional insights are gained over and over again when you pray and sincerely seek knowledge from them.

There are a few differences worth mentioning, before I go into further depth with the similarities. While the D&C is for all to benefit by, Patriarchal blessings are meant only for the person who received the revelation. You can share insights gained and important principles, but not overly freely and typically not in the context of your individual blessing. They are also different in that certain commands given to you in a blessing are not for other people to fulfill or perform, whereas most of the commands in the D&C are for everyone to accomplish.

I had an interesting thought that never had come to me before that I want to share. A Patriarchal blessing and the revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants are given through a priesthood leader as direct revelation for those over whom they have stewardship. Think about that, the Lord shares with someone (His authorized servant) sacred knowledge about the way things can be for you (and in the case of apostolic revelation, for the whole world) if you and I are faithful. The blessing of Priesthood leaders is so easily overlooked that we can take it for granted if we don’t think about what flows from having them here.

Patriarchal blessings also show how Joseph Smith probably received most of the revelations: I have heard Patriarchs mention how they receive inspiration, and it is not word for word. They say they have impressions, thoughts and feelings that they then have to convey in the best language they can summon. I would be surprised if Joseph the prophet, Joseph F. Smith, or any patriarch received many revelations from God that were completely worded for them. I feel that some specific parts are given, and key words may be brought to mind, however, God grants them to understand what it is He wants them to teach and then these wonderful men do their best to accurately word what they have received from God.

These are wonderful guides for our life that fill it with knowledge and understanding of the Plan of Salvation. Even more importantly, we learn our individual plan of salvation that God has had for us from the beginning if we read both and are faithful, which is the word I would choose to summarize the intent of both: to be faithful.