Patriarchal Blessing Study

For this guided study session, you will need 1) a copy of your patriarchal blessing that you can mark up; 2) four different colors of highlighter, colored pencil, or other marking utensil; and 3) optionally, paper and a pen for writing. 

Close your eyes for a few moments, and take some deep breaths. Release all the tension in your body and offer a brief prayer that you will be open to any insights the Lord has for you as you study your blessing. 

Dallin H. Oaks has taught that the patriarchal blessing is "given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and should be read and interpreted under the influence of that same Spirit.” Dallin H. Oaks

Promises

We are going to spend the next 5 minutes reading through the blessing. Using one of your four colored marking utensils, mark any promises you can find in the blessing.

Blessings

Now spend the next 5 minutes looking for any blessings that are mentioned, and mark them in a new color.

Warnings

The next two things we will look for are warnings and admonitions. The difference between the two is that admonitions are reprimands, rebukes, or chastisements—they mention something that has or is occurring; whereas warnings caution you about things that haven’t necessarily occurred, or hadn’t occurred at the time of the blessing.

Spend the next 5 minutes marking all the warnings you can find, if any. Mark them in a new color.

Admonitions

Now spend the next 5 minutes marking all the admonitions you can find, if any, and mark them with your fourth color.

For the time that remains, ponder any insights you have gained after identifying and marking the promises, blessings, warnings, and admonitions in your blessing.

When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things.