President Boyd K. Packer
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"A patriarch has prophetic insight. . . . There is nothing like this office in all of the Church or in all of the world."
The First Presidency has said a stake patriarch should be one who has "developed within (him) the spirit of the patriarchs; in fact, this should be (his) leading characteristic, (a man) of wisdom, possessed of the gift and spirit of blessing as well."
Stake presidents, "on regular occasions, perhaps twice a year, you should interview the patriarch and read some of his blessings. Remind him that each blessing should be individual and special to the member."
"A patriarchal blessing is recorded and transcribed by one who is assigned by the stake president. That blessing becomes a very personal treasure. Except for members of the immediate family, we should not permit others to read our blessing nor should we ask others to interpret it. Neither the patriarch nor the bishop can or should interpret it."
A patriarch declares lineage and enumerates blessings and promises. "Occasionally, a member may feel that their blessing is somewhat less than expected. But as time goes on, they will recognize the power of revelation in it. . . . It is well to know that things happen in the Lord's due time, not always in ours. Things of an eternal nature have no boundaries."
"The patriarch, looking into the future, enumerates the blessings and promises, some special, others general, to which the person of the proper lineage . . . is entitled; and through his authority seals them upon him, so that they may be his forever through faithfulness."
"Speaking to the patriarchs, you have been chosen as few other men are chosen. You must live in such a way that through spiritual inspiration, you can give prophetic and inspired blessings."
