In the Latter Day Saint movement, a patriarchal blessing or evangelist blessing is administered by the laying on of hands, with accompanying words of counsel, reassurance and lifelong guidance intended solely for those receiving the blessing. The words are spoken by an ordained patriarch (evangelist) of the church, but are believed to be inspired by the Holy Ghost. These blessings are given in both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ. The patriarchal/evangelist blessings are modeled after the blessing given by Jacob to each of his sons prior to his death.
Other blessings of comfort, healing, and guidance may be received at any time throughout a person's life, but a patriarchal/evangelist blessing is unique in that it is considered to be an ordinance (LDS church), respectively a sacrament (Community of Christ). Other differences concerning patriarchal/evangelist blessings in these churches, for example, concerning whom can receive the blessing and when, or the scope and content of the blessing, are described in the respective sections below.
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