2 Nephi 4

In the previous chapters, Lehi has been giving blessings, advice and prophesies to his posterity as their father, patriarch and prophet and he continues to do so in Chapter 4. What I really want to focus on is a father's blessing.


Sometimes as members, we wonder when it is appropriate to receive a father's blessing. As James O. Mason said in 1978,

". . . There is a sacredness about a father’s blessing that requires that it not be employed without careful spiritual preparation. . . .  

"However, my daughter was right in one principle: a father’s blessing is available whenever there is a need; it is not something to always be saved for grand ceremonial occasions" ("I Have a Question", Ensign, July 1978).

So when is it appropriate? Elder Eldred G. Smith said:

“Father’s blessings can be given by your father, if he holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, anytime you wish one, anytime you have a desire for it. This is what I recommend to young people. It is recommended by the Church that whenever you are starting a new adventure in life, some change is taking place, some new goal coming ahead of you, it is appropriate and recommended that you ask your father to give you a father’s blessing. What would be more appropriate than in a family home evening you sit together in a family group and have your father literally put his hands on your head and give you a blessing for this particular occasion that is coming up.” (“Patriarchal blessings,” Eldred G. Smith, April 30, 1971, Salt Lake Institute of Religion, The Last Message series, pp. 2–3.)

In my family, we each receive a father's blessing at the beginning of every school year. It's a great blessing to know that our Father in Heaven is aware of our desires and struggles in life and that he gives us his blessing through our father on earth. It's truly miraculous and comforting. It's nice to be able to share the experience with your dad.

I know of some families who don't have fathers who are able to give such a blessing for one reason or another. But James O. Mason has said:

"If a person does not have an available or eligible father to give a blessing, he should remember that the bishop is available, as well as home teachers. They, or a relative, can give a blessing whenever needed. However, when the person performing the blessing is not the father, it is called a priesthood blessing instead of a father’s blessing" ("I Have a Question").

So we all can still be blessed in such a way. What a truly wonderful gift it is.