Opening Song

Scripture

  • "Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal. Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood." Abraham 1:25-26

Patriarchal Blessings

"The purpose of a patriarchal blessing is to interpret and reveal to us, through the inspiration of the Almighty, why we are here and what is expected of us that we might fill the measure of our creation here upon the earth." (LeGrand Richards, "Patriarchal Blessings", New Era Feb. 1977 p. 4)

"Patriarchal Blessings are given to meet our special requirements in life, for our comfort, success, and strength. Our special needs may be pointed out; special gifts may be promised us; we may be blessed to overcome our weaknesses, to resist temptation, or to develop our powers, so that we may the more surely achieve the promised blessings. Since all men differ, their blessings may differ; but a patriarchal blessing always confers promises upon us, becomes a warning against failure in life, and means of guidance in attaining the blessings of the Lord." (John A. Widtsoe)

"I would encourage you to receive a patriarchal blessing. Study it carefully and regard it as personal scripture to you for that is what it is. A patriarchal blessing is the inspired and prophetic statement of your life’s mission together with blessings, cautions, and admonitions as the patriarch may be promoted to give. Receive your patriarchal blessing under the influence of fasting and prayer, and then read it regularly that you may know God’s will for you. (CR April 1986, Ensign 16 (MAY 1986):43-44 (Ezra Taft Benson)

"The patriarch is a prophet entitled to the revelations of the Lord to each individual on whose head he places his hands. He may indicate the lineage of the individual, but he may also pour out blessings that are prophetic to the individual for his life. We hope the people of this land will avail themselves of this great blessing. The blessings which he gives are conditional . They are promised, as are most other blessings that the Lord has promised to his people, contingent upon their worthiness and fulfilling the obligations. There is no guarantee that the blessings will be fulfilled unless the individual subscribes to the program, but I bear my testimony to you that none of the blessings he pronounces will fail if the participant of the blessing fully subscribes." (Spencer W. Kimball)

Refreshments

Ice Cream Sundaes - All patriarchal blessings differ and each persons ice cream sundae will differ. Each one however is good. Some of us may have a simple sundae with just ice cream and chocolate just like some of us may have a simple blessing with just our lineage; others however may have more elaborate ice cream sundaes with cherries, whipping cream, caramel and chocolate, just like some of us may have more elaborate blessings with talents, seals and protections, prophecies and promises.

Activity Ideas

  • Have each person make his or her ice cream sundae refreshment and then take a bite and pass it to the next person so everyone tries each others sundae treat.
  • Have the members in your family who have received their patriarchal blessing share how they felt and how they prepared for their blessing
  • Prepare a breakdown sheet with the following titles and have each member who has received a blessing list the following:
    1. Blessings and Promises
    2. Lineage
    3. Admonitions and warnings
    4. Mission and callings
    5. Talents and Interests
    6. Other
  • Have a breakdown sheet for members who have not received their blessing and fill in the sentences for the following:
    1. Worthiness to receive a blessing
    2. Desire to receive a blessing
    3. My understanding about patriarchal blessings
    4. Am I mature enough to receive my blessing
    5. I am prepared by (reading scriptures, praying, fasting)

Closing song

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