YOUTH CAN TEACH
HOW CAN I PREPARE TO RECEIVE A BLESSING FROM GOD TO DIRECT MY LIFE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH using this YOUTH GOAL PLANNER why a patriarchal blessing is important as a guide in their lives.
The planner will help them prepare to receive this blessing to understand God’s special gifts and blessings. Also, see the YOUTH GOAL PLANNER Special Gifts from Heavenly Father (HERE).
LESSON IDEAS:
. . . PLANNER STEP . . .
I read a recent conference talk on patriarchal blessings.
President Russell M. Nelson has referred to a patriarchal blessing as “personal scripture to you.” – For the Strength of Youth: Making Choices
READ MORE in the Words to Live by, YOUR PATRIARCHAL BLESSING
. . . PLANNER STEP . . .
I completed a checklist of steps to take to prepare for and receive my patriarchal blessing.
. . . PLANNER STEP . . .
I read a recent conference talk on patriarchal blessings.
“My patriarchal blessing was critically important to me when I was young…through the power of the Holy Ghost, my patriarchal blessing helped me understand my true eternal identity—who I really was and who I could become.” – Elder Randall K. Bennett, April 2023 Conference, “Your Patriarchal Blessing – Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father” (HERE).
. . . PLANNER STEP . . .
I completed a checklist of steps to take to prepare for and receive my patriarchal blessing.
See Getting ready for your patriarchal blessing? (HERE):
• When am I ready to get one?
• What is a patriarchal blessing?
• What does it usually include?
• How can I prepare to get my patriarchal blessing?
SEARCH & PONDER
President Joseph F. Smith said: “Every person will receive his just reward for the good he may do and for his every act. But let it be remembered that all blessings which we shall receive, either here or hereafter, must come to us as a result of our obedience to the laws of God upon which these blessing are predicated” (“What is to Become of Such as Me?” Improvement Era, Nov. 1912, 71).
D&C 101:15 suggests rewards for our actions in this life. “And all they who have given their LIVES for my name shall be CROWNED.”
Also, vs. 22-23 suggests we call on the Lord’s name, worship, gather and stand in holy places, and prepare for revelations.
DOWNLOAD Jewels in My Crown service list (HERE, shown right).
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MUTUAL NIGHT, Family Night, Sunday School, Seminary ACTIVITIES
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING DISCUSSION AND SACRED YEARLY LETTER:
1. Talk about patriarchal blessings and about earthly fathers—what they want for their children and what they do for their children. Discuss what Heavenly Father does and wants for His children, and the things He gives us to help us.
2. Have youth write a letter of appreciation to their Heavenly Father and put it in a sealed envelope. Tell them to nourish these feelings so they will grow. Have them put the letter in their journal for one year.
3. After the year is up, have them then write another letter to Heavenly Father, expressing appreciation and love, then compare by re-reading the letter from the previous year.
4. Then have them repeat steps 2–3 and compare the feelings from one year to the next, watching their love increase.
VIEWS OF A PATRIARCH’S WIFE:
Have the wife of a patriarch come and relate her special insights and experiences regarding patriarchal blessings. She can also tell how she supports her husband in his calling as the patriarch. Tell the steps involved in obtaining a patriarchal blessing, what to do with your patriarchal blessing, and how to read and understand it so it will help you throughout your life (see Without Fear video below).
• ARTICLE: What a Patriarchal Blessing Can Do for You (HERE)
• VIDEO: Without Fear – An Italian missionary suffering from diabetes recounts how he didn’t serve his mission until he received his patriarchal blessing.
INSIGHTS OF LIVING A PATRIARCHAL BLESSING:
Have different mothers (for young women) or fathers (for young men) in the ward who have received their patriarchal blessing share how it has helped them. Discuss how each blessing is different and very personal. If parts of a blessing are shared, approve what is shared with leaders ahead of time (this is important as everyone’s blessing is different, and it shouldn’t make someone feel left out because they may not receive the same promises); best not to mention parts of the blessing specifically. Check with DeseretBook.com to find the current books on Patriarchal Blessings or recent talks on the topic. Here is one in 2023 By Elder Randall K. Bennett Of the Seventy, “Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father” (HERE).
• QUOTE FROM THE PROPHET: From the talk mentioned above, Elder Randall K. Bennett said, “Our beloved President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly taught about the importance of a patriarchal blessing, that it gives each recipient ‘a declaration of lineage back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’ and that each blessing ‘is personal scripture to you.'”
– “Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers.” —Thomas S. Monson
SOURCE Individual Worth #2 YOUTH GOAL PLANNER
