Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Sunday morning session of April 2023 general conference. He outlined the purposes for a patriarchal blessing and encouraged those who have not yet received a patriarchal blessing to prepare to do so. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Yamashita’s talk summary
Patriarchal blessings are not only for those preparing to serve a mission. “Worthy baptized members may receive their patriarchal blessings when the time is right for them.” There is no maximum age. “Everyone’s spiritual timeline is different.”
A patriarchal blessing contains personal counsel from the Lord and declares one’s lineage in the house of Israel. It is a message from Heavenly Father and will likely include promises and inspired counsel. “A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions. … A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next.”
Preparation for a patriarchal blessing will help increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. “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.”
A patriarchal blessing will have different meanings at different times. “It is not that the words change, but we see them in a different way.”
Notable quotes
“A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions.”
“A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next.”
“Preparation for your patriarchal blessing will help you increase your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
See the full text of Elder Yamashita’s talk: ‘When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing’
Who is Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita?
- Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2011.
- He was born in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan, on Sept. 15, 1953. He married Tazuko Tashiro in March 1980, and they are the parents of six children.
- He served as president of the Japan Nagoya Mission 2013–2015.
What has Elder Yamashita done recently?
- During a BYU–Idaho devotional on Nov. 8, 2022, Elder Yamashita gave five suggestions for wrestling in prayer before God.
- The last time Elder Yamashita spoke in general conference was in October 2016. He talked about what it means to “be ambitious for Christ.”
