Using the priesthood power to heal the sick

One of the beloved apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, gave an inspiring talk on the priesthood power and using it to heal the sick. He said, “In these times of worldwide turmoil, more and more persons of faith are turning to the Lord for blessings of comfort and healing.” And how right he is! As a family of faith, we would be lost without the assuring knowledge that our Father is there for us when we need His comfort. A great peace comes to us when we know there is a higher source manning the controls in each of our lives and that His hands are guiding us.

Elder Oaks addresses the men--adults who hold the priesthood and those who will receive it later on--saying, “We have the priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly.” And what a great responsibility the men of the gospel are entrusted with.

Elder Oaks mentions increases in natural disasters and financial challenges in our day and we know there are many more struggles being faced in the world today. Administering to the sick and blessing those in need is one way we can help each other when we are given challenges.

The scripture James 5:14-15 says it perfectly, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." We bear testimony of the importance of priesthood blessings and of the Lord’s love for all His children. Our trust in Him makes all the difference in our lives.

Recently we decided to make a Family Home Evening out of the topic Priesthood blessings. We discussed with our children the priesthood, the power of blessings, and the faith we must have in the Lord. We showed our children the oil used for blessings and read from Elder Oaks talk on how a blessing works. And just to make things more exciting, we passed out a coloring page for everyone (link below) to color and we talked about more personal ways we can help heal the sick in our ward and community. Our kids came with ideas about taking in dinners, doing yard work, and babysitting someone's child when they are sick. So get the whole family involved! And make sure you’re prepared in your home!