Study Guide for "When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing"

In his talk, Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita discusses the importance and significance of receiving a patriarchal blessing. He emphasizes that there is no specific age or stage in life when a person should receive their blessing, and encourages all members of the Church, regardless of age or length of membership, to seek this sacred opportunity. Elder Yamashita also explains the two main purposes of a patriarchal blessing and the blessings that come from being part of the house of Israel.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the importance of receiving a patriarchal blessing according to Elder Yamashita?
What are the two main purposes of a patriarchal blessing?
What does Elder Yamashita say about the timing of receiving a patriarchal blessing?
What blessings come from being part of the house of Israel?
How does Elder Yamashita encourage us to approach and interpret our patriarchal blessings?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Patriarchal Blessings

Elder Yamashita emphasizes the importance of patriarchal blessings as personal counsel from the Lord and a declaration of one's lineage in the house of Israel. These blessings are not just for preparation to serve a mission, but are meant to guide individuals throughout their lives.

A patriarchal blessing contains personal counsel from the Lord to you.

A patriarchal blessing declares your lineage in the house of Israel.

Your patriarchal blessing is a message from your Heavenly Father and will likely include promises and inspired counsel to guide you throughout your life.

What are the two main purposes of a patriarchal blessing?
How can a patriarchal blessing guide you throughout your life?
How can you better study and apply the counsel given in your patriarchal blessing?
What steps can you take to prepare to receive your patriarchal blessing if you haven't already?

Recognizing the Timing to Receive Patriarchal Blessings

Elder Yamashita emphasizes that there is no specific age or stage in life when one should receive a patriarchal blessing. He encourages both young and adult members, as well as new members, to seek a patriarchal blessing when the time is right for them.

Worthy baptized members may receive their patriarchal blessing when the time is right for them.

Remember, there is no maximum age.

Everyone’s spiritual timeline is different.

What does Elder Yamashita say about the timing of receiving a patriarchal blessing?
Why is it important not to rush or delay receiving a patriarchal blessing?
How can you discern if it's the right time for you to receive your patriarchal blessing?
If you've already received your blessing, how can you help others prepare for theirs?

Understanding Your Lineage in the House of Israel

Elder Yamashita discusses the significance of understanding one's lineage in the house of Israel, as declared in a patriarchal blessing. He highlights the promises made to the house of Israel through Abraham, including numerous posterity, the reception of the gospel and priesthood, and the blessing of salvation for all families of the earth.

As you receive a declaration of lineage, you will come to know that you are of the house of Israel and the seed of Abraham.

Those promises include: His posterity would be numerous, His seed, or descendants, would receive the gospel and bear the priesthood, Through the ministry of his seed, ‘all the families of the earth [would] be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal’.

What is the significance of being declared a part of the house of Israel?
What are the promises made to the house of Israel through Abraham?
How does understanding your lineage in the house of Israel influence your perspective on your place in the gospel?
How can you better live up to the promises associated with being part of the house of Israel?

Interpreting Your Patriarchal Blessing

Elder Yamashita encourages members to read and interpret their patriarchal blessings through the influence of the Holy Spirit. He explains that the meaning and significance of a patriarchal blessing may change and become clearer over time.

Just as scriptures we have read many times have new meaning to us later, our patriarchal blessing will have a different meaning to us at different times.

A patriarchal blessing is given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and should be read and interpreted under the influence of that same Spirit.

How should we approach reading and interpreting our patriarchal blessings?
Why might the meaning of our patriarchal blessings change over time?
How can you seek the Spirit's guidance in understanding your patriarchal blessing?
How has your understanding of your patriarchal blessing changed over time?

Encouraging Others to Receive Their Patriarchal Blessings

Elder Yamashita calls on bishops, parents, and other church leaders to encourage those who have not yet received their patriarchal blessings to prepare to do so. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's direction and help in this process.

My dear bishops, parents, elders quorum and Relief Society presidents, ward mission leaders, ministering brothers and sisters, please encourage those young men and young women, adult members, and new members who have not yet received their patriarchal blessing to seek the Lord’s direction and help in preparing themselves to do so.

What is the role of church leaders and members in helping others prepare to receive their patriarchal blessings?
Why is it important to seek the Lord's direction and help in preparing to receive a patriarchal blessing?
How can you encourage and support others in preparing to receive their patriarchal blessings?
What experiences can you share to help others understand the importance of patriarchal blessings?