Giving Father’s Blessings and Other Blessings of Comfort and Counsel

Melchizedek Priesthood holders may give blessings of comfort and counsel. A father may give his family members blessings on special occasions, such as when they go to school, go on missions, get married, or enter military service. A family may record a father's blessing for family records, but it is not preserved in Church records.

A father's blessing and other blessings of comfort and counsel follow the pattern outlined below. The Melchizedek Priesthood holder:

Places his hands on the head of the person to be blessed.
Calls the person by name.
States that the blessing is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Gives thanks, counsel, exhortation, and promises as the Spirit directs.
Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.