Ever since the priesthood was restored in 1829, the early Saints had been blessed by the Lord’s sacred power. They were baptized, confirmed, and called to serve by priesthood authority, much like we are today. But having access to priesthood power is not the same thing as completely understanding it, and God had more He wanted His Saints to understand—particularly with the coming restoration of temple ordinances. The 1832 revelation on the priesthood, now Doctrine and Covenants 84, expanded the Saints’ vision of what the priesthood really is. And it can do the same for us today. After all, there is a lot to learn about the divine power that holds “the key of the knowledge of God,” that makes manifest “the power of godliness,” and that prepares us to “see the face of God, even the Father, and live” (verses 19–22).
I have access to God’s priesthood power and blessings.
When you think of the word priesthood, what comes to mind? How does God’s priesthood power influence your life?
After pondering these questions, you might study Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–32, looking for what God wants you to know about His priesthood power. Consider how you could use these verses to describe the priesthood and its purposes to someone.
One thing you’ll find is that through priesthood ordinances “the power of godliness is manifest” (see verses 19–21). Perhaps you could list the priesthood ordinances you have participated in (the lists in General Handbook, 18.1, 18.2, can help). How have these ordinances—and the associated covenants—brought God’s power into your life? What would your life be like without them?
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God” (“Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 77). Consider studying President Nelson’s message, looking for ways you can “draw the Savior’s power into [your] life.”
The priesthood is obtained with an oath and covenant.
The oath and covenant of the priesthood (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–44) has special application for Heavenly Father’s sons who are ordained to a priesthood office, but many of the promised blessings in these verses are available to all of God’s children. What are these promises, and what does God ask us to do to receive them?
Elder Paul B. Pieper taught: “It is interesting that in the oath and covenant of the priesthood [see Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–44], the Lord uses the verbs obtain and receive. He does not use the verb ordain. It is in the temple that men and women—together—obtain and receive the blessings and power of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods” (“Revealed Realities of Mortality,” Ensign, Jan. 2016, 21).
As you study Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–44, ponder what it might mean to “obtain” and “receive” the priesthood. How is this different from being ordained to a priesthood office? What else does the Lord invite you to receive in these verses? How are you doing that?
What do you find that inspires you to be more faithful in receiving the Savior, His Father, His servants, and His priesthood power?
Living by the word of God brings light and truth into my life.
What truths do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 84:43–61 that help you understand why you need to consistently study the word of God? Note the contrast between light and darkness in these verses; how has your “diligent heed to the words of eternal life” brought light, truth, and “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” into your life? (verses 43, 45).
Compare gospel principles to familiar things. Can you think of an analogy that would illustrate the truths in verses 43–44? For example, how is following all the steps in a recipe like living “by every word … of God”?
The Lord will be with me when I am in His service.
As you read these verses, you could identify ways the Lord said He would support His servants. How might these promises apply to the work He has asked you to do? For example, how have the promises in verse 88 been fulfilled in your life?
What do you learn from these verses about how the Lord accomplishes His work? What counsel and blessings do you find? You might also think about how you have been “edified in all meekness” because you served with someone who was “strong in the Spirit,” including people in your family.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
Temple ordinances help me prepare to live with Heavenly Father again.
To help your children look forward to going to the temple, you could create a puzzle out of a picture of a temple. On the back of each piece, you could write something we do in the temple, such as being baptized for ancestors, being sealed to our families, and making covenants with God. Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:4–5 with your children, and ask them to listen for what the Lord commanded the Saints to build. As you and your children put the puzzle together, share with each other things we can do to prepare to enter the temple.
I can receive Heavenly Father’s power through priesthood ordinances.
To help your children understand what an ordinance is, consider looking at pictures of several priesthood ordinances with them, such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–8, or this week’s activity page. Ask them to describe what is happening in each picture. You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22. Why does Heavenly Father want us to receive these ordinances? Tell your children how you have felt God’s power because of ordinances you received and covenants you made. (See also “Priesthood Power, Authority, and Keys” in appendix A or appendix B.)
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 84:77 together, ask your children about what it means to be a friend. You might talk about good friends you’ve had. How does Jesus show us that He wants us to be His friends? How can we show that we want that too? A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could help with this conversation.
Your children might enjoy hearing about how missionaries helped you, your family, or your ancestors receive the gospel. Then you could read about a special promise the Lord made to missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. Maybe your children could think of actions that go with this verse. Consider sharing about a time when you were serving the Lord and felt that He was with you, as described in verse 88. You might also help your children think of ways they can be missionaries now. Testify that Heavenly Father helps us know what to say when we talk with others about Jesus Christ.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
