The Priesthood Today
The need for priesthood authority in the latter days — what it is, how it operates in the home and Church, and how to draw upon its power.
Three central questions guide this talk: Why do we need the priesthood? How does the priesthood work in the home and in the Church? And how can we draw power from the priesthood to help us in these latter days?
What Is the Priesthood?
The priesthood is the authority — delegated by God to man — to act in His stead. Authority is not synonymous with power in the priesthood. It is the means by which the powers of heaven are made manifest in the lives of God’s children.
There are two orders in the Church:
Two Priesthood Orders — D&C 107
- Melchizedek Priesthood — holds keys to all spiritual blessings; administers the gospel and holds keys to the knowledge of God (D&C 107:18–20)
- Aaronic Priesthood — holds the key to the ministering of angels and the gospel of repentance (D&C 107:20)
Knowledge and capability do not give authority. The devil and his angels have great knowledge — they do not have authority. This is one of the distinctive strengths of the restored Church: priesthood authority cannot be earned, nor taken, but must be given freely of God to man.
The Priesthood in the Church
Authority is confirmed upon men and delegated to women in the Church through the calling and release process. Church leaders holding priesthood keys have the authority to call or release individuals. No calling is beneath any servant of God; all callings are essential to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).
The Priesthood in the Home
When couples enter the covenant of marriage, both enter into an Order of the Priesthood and have authority to act in God’s name for their children’s benefit (D&C 131:1–4; 132:15–18). Fathers preside in love and righteousness; mothers sustain and are equal partners. If faithful, couples continue this priesthood order eternally.
Critically: parents are never released from parental responsibility. It is an eternal role that cannot be abdicated.
Priesthood Authority vs. Priesthood Power
Both men and women hold priesthood authority in some form. But authority does not guarantee power. As D&C 121:34–36 teaches: “Many are called but few are chosen.” What cuts off priesthood power:
What Negates Priesthood Power
- Impure thoughts, feelings, or actions
- Demeaning wives or children
- Surrendering agency to satisfy personal desires rather than serve others
- Covering sins, gratifying pride, exercising control or compulsion upon souls
D&C 121:41–42
“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.”
Four Ways to Draw Upon Priesthood Power Today
1. Repent of Sins
Righteous living is the prerequisite for accessing heaven’s powers. “Let your eye be single to the glory of God” (D&C 88:67–69). “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:44–46).
2. Exercise Faith Actively
Fathers should give children blessings through the Melchizedek Priesthood. Mothers can bless children through righteous prayer; “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Parents have the right to ask God for help with their stewardship.
3. Stay Close to the Church
This is the only church on earth authorized to exercise priesthood power. The Church provides ordinances and the means for remission of sins. Do not allow minor confusion or offense to diminish activity — the blessings of the covenant community are irreplaceable.
4. Do Not Be Afraid
Fear drives away the Spirit. “Perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). Fear is ultimately self-focused — overcoming it means focusing on the needs and welfare of others rather than our own anxieties.
Conclusion
The priesthood’s power and authority enable us to protect, bless, strengthen, and perfect ourselves and our families. Through priesthood authority and ordinances, families can obtain the hope of eternal life. It is available to us — not as a perk of membership, but as a sacred stewardship to be exercised with purity, love, and unwavering faith.