The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood Is Relevant to Women
Dear sisters,
Have you ever wondered how the oath and covenant of the priesthood impacts a woman’s life? I have. Last August, on a lovely day in Harmony, Pennsylvania, I had a unique conversation with President Russell M. Nelson. We talked about what the oath and covenant of the priesthood means and how it blesses our lives. President Nelson said that living into his 90s, he has been blessed even “unto the renewing of [his body]” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:33). Such blessings come from the oath and covenant of the priesthood and are enjoyed by both women and men.
Through that conversation and my personal study, I learned that although the oath and covenant of the priesthood as found in Doctrine and Covenants 84 speaks directly to men ordained to priesthood office, many of the promises and blessings given there also apply to covenant-keeping women.
As I have served in Church callings as well as in my family—all parts of our Father’s work—many times I have experienced the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 that “whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”
It is important that women understand that we, too, will be blessed to receive “all that [our] Father hath” when we receive, or heed and hearken to, the Lord’s servants (Doctrine and Covenants 84:38).
I encourage you to study and learn how the oath and covenant of the priesthood blesses you and those you love. Every woman who makes and keeps covenants with God and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances has direct access to the power of God!
I look forward to hearing what you’re learning about the priesthood and the blessings that come into your life as a result.
Jean B. Bingham