Illnesses and injuries are facts of life. Throughout each of our lives, we will face times when we will be in need of healing powers from the heavens. Priesthood blessing are a great way to call down the powers of heavens for those that are sick and afflicted. If priesthood blessings using consecrated oil are powerful, then do we need to go to the hospital to be healed or do we just need to exercise enough faith in the priesthood blessing?
Editor’s Note: This post was provided by Oil Vault, the most portable consecrated oil vial
Apply every remedy to be healed:
Elder Dallin H. Oaks was asked this same question. He replied, saying:
“The use of medical science is not at odds with our prayers of faith and our reliance on priesthood blessings. When a person requested a priesthood blessing, Brigham Young would ask, ‘Have you used any remedies?’ To those who said no because ‘we wish the Elders to lay hands upon us, and we have faith that we shall be healed,’ President Young replied: ‘That is very inconsistent according to my faith. If we are sick, and ask the Lord to heal us, and to do all for us that is necessary to be done, according to my understanding of the Gospel of salvation, I might as well ask the Lord to cause my wheat and corn to grow, without my plowing the ground and casting in the seed. It appears consistent to me to apply every remedy that comes within the range of my knowledge, and [then] to ask my Father in Heaven … to sanctify that application to the healing of my body.’”
Similarly, Elder Delbert L. Stapley also addressed this question, stating:
“The source of all knowledge comes from God to man for man’s benefit, guidance, and blessing. God expects man to use wisely the knowledge, scientific or otherwise, that he releases for man’s benefit. … If medical men have acquired skills and medical cures for the ills of man, shouldn’t they be used as part of the healing requirement?
Medical science is just a link in the whole plan and process of healing. The advances in medicine and medical treatment are providing cures for diseases and afflictions that in the past may have been terminal. An afflicted body fortified with medical help has great natural power to heal itself.”
We are encouraged to use every remedy possible:
Church leaders have encouraged us to use every means and remedy available when sick or afflicted. Heavenly Father blesses us in many different ways. If we want to receive the healing power from heaven we need to provide Heavenly Father every avenue to bless and heal us, including those provided by medical professionals.
A few months ago, a woman was ejected from her car along I-15. Moments later a man administered a priesthood blessing to the woman. Soon after, the ambulance arrived and took the women to the hospital. Many that were involved with the accident and her treatment claim the priesthood blessing kept the woman alive until the ambulance arrived. In this case, Heavenly Father used both a priesthood blessing and medical treatment to save this woman’s life. We too should strive to use every remedy when facing illnesses and injuries.
As we seek our Heavenly Father’s help and blessings, let us make sure to provide him with every opportunity to bless and heal us!
**Always be prepared to give a blessing, keep consecrated oil with you all the time.
