Teaching Choral Concepts

Review

    Is priesthood power being used to bless your family? Every week thousands of priesthood blessings are quietly given-most of them by fathers acting as patriarchs in their own homes. Yet many Church members go through life without receiving the blessings to which they are entitled.

    Is There a Patriarch in the House? tells of personal blessings that can properly be pronounced upon the heads of Latter-day Saints. These blessings come from fathers acting in the role of family patriarch, from priesthood leaders, from stake patriarchs, and directly from above. The book tells priesthood holders how to prepare to give blessings, explains results to be expected, and describes conditions which must be met for those blessings to be effectual.

    Is There a Patriarch in the House? is a warm and loving book filled with personal experiences which will touch the hearts of many fathers who are reluctant to draw upon the powers which have   been conferred upon them. The book discusses the relationship a father/patriarch should have with both God and family, and encourages the reader to move toward that ideal relationship. 

    The author has observed that "Many married and single LDS women yearn for the men of the Church to use their priesthood more often. The mother's role, as prescribed in this Church, is staggering. There needs to be a priesthood bearer who blesses her and her children, especially in today's decaying society. It is a tragedy if priest hood bearers fail family and God by not using their priesthood power."

    The author vividly recounts his experiences in trying to be a father/patriarch to nine children, while also being active in work responsibilities, in church assignments, and in community service.  This heart-warming book is essential reading for fathers, mothers, and anyone who has ever reluctantly given or asked for a priesthood blessing.

    Horizon Publishers invites you to read and enjoy it, and to give it with confidence as a gift that will touch the lives of all who read it. 

Table of Contents

I. Is There a Patriarch in the House?, 11

II. Different Kinds of Blessings, 17
Blessings from a Father/Patriarch, 17
Bringing Forth Children, 18
Father's Example, 20
Lost Loved Ones, 21
Father's Blessings, 23
Home Dedication, 25
Family Benefits, 26
Communicating with Children, 29
Failed Parents, 32
Society's Decay, 34
Speaking Up Within the Community, 35
Blessings from "The Father of Spirits", 37
Desperate Prayers of Youth, 38
Mighty Prayer, 39
Inspired Courtship, 43
Temple Marriage, 48
Inspiration for Business, 49
Repentance, 50
Blessings from Priesthood Leadership, 51
Setting Apart and Ordinations, 51
Blessings from a Judge in Israel, 52
Blessings from the Home Teacher, 56
Patriarchal Blessings, 60
Confidence Gained from Patriarchal Blessings, 60
Interpretation of Patriarchal Blessings, 62

III. Giving Blessings More Often, 65
Questions About Blessings, 65
Why Blessings Are Not Given, 66
Teaching About Blessings, 67
Becoming Knowledgeable About Blessings, 68
Being Accessible and Timely, 69
Gift to Heal, 73

IV. Preparing to Give Blessings, 74
Follow Correct Procedure, 74
Listen to the Spirit, 76
Dress Appropriately, 79
Bless When Ready, 80
Wife Sustains Husband, 81
Become Worthy, 82
Avoid Appearance of Evil, 84
Sustain Priesthood Authority, 85
Speaking Up Within the Church, 86
Represent Christ, 87
Relationship to God and Universe, 88

V. Results to Be Expected from Blessings, 91
Immediate Results, 91
Time to Heal, 92
Long-Term Good, 94
Learn From Suffering, 96
Set New Goals, 97

VI. Conditions for an Effectual Blessing, 100
Faith of the Receiver, 100
Faith in God, 100
Faith and Works, 101
Faith of the Giver, 103
Positive Faith, 103
Lack of Faith, 104
Develop Confidence, 105
Priesthood Authority, 106
Power of Satan, 106
Power of the Priesthood, 109
Will of God, 110
Death of Children, 110
Plan of Salvation, 112

VII. Epilogue: Open Heart Surgery, 115

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