8/12/10- cji
“Ordinances of administration with actual healings there- from are one of the evidences of the divinity of the Lord’s work. Where these are, there is God’s kingdom; where these are not, there God’s kingdom is not.” Bruce R. McConkie
Today I wish discuss a very sensitive topic with complete aspiration to achieve edification and clarification for myself as well as others. Priesthood within this discussion will reference the Melchizedek Priesthood. This Priesthood holder is a spiritual conduit while performing these sacred blessings for the sick.
Background:
Over the years as an active church member, our personal family has experienced numerous sanctified blessings from the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood. These Priesthood Blessings have been the Administration to the Sick as well as Blessings of Comfort.
Speaking personally, surrounding circumstances administering these Priesthood blessings can sometimes be ill at ease while others can be more secure. For example, a few blessings may be needed within the middle of the night in hospitals yet other Priesthood Blessings can be administered in the comfort of homes or the Chapel. It has been my privilege to administer to small infants before either parent has been able to hold them as well as other infants at the request of grandparents who lived far away in many situations.
On one memorable occasion, one of the Brethren requested a Priesthood Blessing to promptly complete this physical state. I delicately explained that Priesthood Blessing were spiritual promptings. Within his Priesthood Blessing, he was advised by the spirit of further accomplishments yet needed in his lingering lifetime.
On the other hand, opportunity has opened to bless elderly members to release their physical body from this mortal probation. I was notified on a different occasion to administer to elderly Sister and a dear friend. As I sealed the anointing, this Blessing indicated that her beloved Robert was waiting to take her hand. Within hours, she passed away peacefully. Several days previous to this blessing this Sister had received an earlier blessing with consecrated oil.
Priesthood Administration to the Sick/ Priesthood Blessing of the Sick
First of all, a Priesthood Blessing of the Sick should only be given by a worthy Priesthood holder. As Priesthood holders, the authority is exercised through the keys delegated from the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Priesthood Blessing means that if a church member is indicating a need for a spiritual blessing, or an immediate family member, the Priesthood holder is required to follow the proper guidelines of authority. He should make contact with another worthy Priesthood holder to help this church member in every way possible to get the needed blessing preformed promptly.
If unable, this Priesthood holder should contact his Quorum President to be advised how to proceed. There are times and circumstances where only one Priesthood Holder can both anoint and seal the anointing to the sick.
Unnecessary telephone questions should be avoided during this contact. Nevertheless, gathering clear information is vastly required. It is already apparent there is a need expressed. I have tried to produce a possible list of questions when a request for a Priesthood Blessing comes forth:
1. Full name of the church member;
2. Where is the person located; home, hospital, or nursing home
3. What are the needful preparations to be taken; infants in hospitals require scrubbing, wearing gloves and protective outer clothing
4. Is the person a member of the Church
5. If in a hospital, I advise to notify the department in advance so the person in charge is aware of time and of the family’s spiritual request for this priesthood ordinance. I have found this recommended procedure of notification facilitates greater ease in accomplishing the blessing.
Then again, careful inquiry if a previous priesthood blessing with the consecrated oil was recently performed; and, when.
If the answer is affirmative, to a previous Priesthood Blessing, then it is appropriate to indicate that this Priesthood Blessing will be a Priesthood Blessing of Comfort.
Nevertheless Brethren still respond expeditiously to administer a Priesthood Blessing of Comfort either by themselves or getting another to go in your stead.
Priesthood Blessing of Comfort
The Blessing of Comfort is to ease the church member from life stressors.
There are multiple circumstances for a request for a Priesthood Blessing of Comfort.
I wish to reference two specific Priesthood Blessing of Comfort situations in Church History.
The first is a Sister Sarah Pay Rich lay on her sick bed for over six weeks, totally unable to care for herself. She had a Priesthood Administration yet she was nigh onto dying when the Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sr. was contacted for a Priesthood Blessing. Elder Smith initially hesitated, and then he proceeded to explain that he was first prompted to give her a Patriarchal Blessing.
Elder Smith was prompted when giving her the Patriarchal Blessing to further bless Sister Rich that she would be healed, to stand up and live a long life. As Elder Smith finished the administration, Sister Rich rose up and she was not sick from that time forward.
The second circumstance is Phoebe Woodruff, the beloved wife of President Woodrow Woodruff. She was fought sickness for some time. Each occasion Phoebe was blessed she seemed to rebound only to begin to sink away once more. President Woodruff went to obtain medications at a nearby town and when he returned his beloved Phoebe was taking her last breath. She then died.
President Woodrow Woodruff again felt prompted to bless Phoebe once more and in this blessing he literally raised her from death. Phoebe later recounted she was watching him bless her and she was given the choice go through the veil or to return, she choose to return. It was at this time President Woodruff was prompted to command Phoebe by the Priesthood of God to arise up and become well.
Both of these cases in point are mighty examples of Priesthood Blessings of Comfort as no consecrated oil was used, only one Priesthood holder involved. Those admirable men who hold the Holy Priesthood are a worthy conduit of the Lord, to have power to act in His name.
Priesthood Blessings are intimate communication with the Lord, to convey the Lord’s will to the person requesting such a blessing. Priesthood holders must remember it is Father’s Will in all things, and trust is to be found along with worthiness, preparation and being in tune with the Spirit of God. Each of these is questions only we as Priesthood holders can answer.
Priesthood Blessing Accomplish Two Things
When a Priesthood Blessing is given it accomplishes two things. The first is the healing of the sick in the household of faith. This administration is temporal performed and is administered to those with great faith -what is hoped for as much as possible- and to those who desire to follow the Commandments of God.
The purpose of a Priesthood Blessing is that of Spiritual comfort. This is to assure the member receiving the blessing, to know of Father’s love – and of their eternal covenants – the love of family to help bridge the gap of mortal probation and enduring to the end.
President Harold B. Eyring in a conference address expressed his feelings when his father was dying a very painful death and how his father could be so calm. His father explained that he had experienced a full life with small trials. He felt certain that Father in Heaven was testing his capabilities to endure to the end in addition to be worthy to return to his presence. Thus President Harold B. Eyring understood we all must pass through the refiner’s fire – enduring well to the end.
Therefore the second purpose of a Priesthood Blessing has higher significant in many ways. Remembering that our mortal body will fade away yet our spirit will to be reunited with our body, if worthy.
Doctrine and Covenants 42:44 “And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me.” And again, Faith and Worthiness is necessary.
Conclusion
The only reason not to respond to administer to Priesthood Blessing of the Sick or Priesthood Blessing of Comfort is:
1. Illness;
2. Lack of worthiness- Priesthood holder still handles the responsibilities to prepare the way for the other Priesthood holders acting in our stead is needed although he should not comply with these sacred administrations.
Our understanding of worthiness needs to be carefully balanced. For some Priesthood holders the issue of worthiness can be challenging. We ought to prepare ourselves, to be worthy; take time to pray and fast, when time is allowable.
Above all, Priest holders need to act and act promptly. Remember contact another Priesthood holder to go in our stead, if we cannot respond to administer.
Let us be prepared:
1. Have consecrated oil easily available.
2. Read our scriptures; attend our church meetings.
3. Notify your Home Teaching families when unavailable and who to call when out of town
4. Have telephone numbers of several Priesthood holders who can assist or call late at night.
My Testimony:
A Priesthood Blessing is acting in behalf of the Lord. As His Priesthood servants, we are delegated to be prepared to represent our Lord and keep ourselves worthy. We must remember it is only through Jesus Christ that we hold our Priesthood.
One personal experience I would like to share. Experiencing preparation for a second By-Pass Heart surgery, I received a Priesthood Blessing in surgeon’s office. This surgeon was present; heard the entire contents of this blessing.
Within In this blessing not only I was blessed in addition it was indicated the hands of the surgeon would be guided to do that was needful to preserve my life. At the beginning of the surgical procedure, some difficulties occurred. However the surgeon remembering this Priesthood blessing pressed forward. In the recovery area, this surgeon reported these circumstances to my wife and my life was preserved. This experience is not an isolated experience in our family’s history.
My friends I believe I recognize the power of a Priesthood Blessing. I have experienced these Priesthood Blessings for the sick as well as Blessing of Comfort. Remember we each are on the Lord’s errand. I pray in the Holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.
References:
Dallin H. Oaks Conference Talks: April 2010 and April 1987
Henry B. Eyring Conference Talk: October 2009
Merrill J. Bateman Conference Talk: October 2003
Thomas S. Monson Conference Talk: October 2006 and April 2007
James E. Faust Conference Talk: October 2004
Spencer W. Kimball: Faith Precedes the Miracle, Chapters 7, 8 and 20
“The Prophets Have Spoken” see; Vol. 1; p. 21, 74, 984-85; Vol. 2; p. 680, 739-41, 766, 881-82, 1340; Vol. 3; p. 614-16
Bruce R. McConkie, “Mormon Doctrine” p. 21-22; 345-46;
Scriptures (if one looks there are over 116 references here are just a few):
James 5:14-16
Mark 5:23
Luke 4:40-41
Luke 13:11-13
Acts 28:8
Moroni 7:26 “Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, i
t shall be done unto you.”Copyright © 2010 – cji
'Chuck' Charles J. Ingerson, CPCM, Fellow (NCMA)
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