A Little Gift Before the Field: Why You Should Ask Your Elder for a Blessing

There are moments in the missionary journey—and in the life of a disciple—that feel both exciting and incredibly bittersweet. There’s the day a young man, full of zeal and prepared for the field, is leaving for his mission. For the family, the friends, and the congregation, it’s a mix of profound pride and a little bit of heartache. The anticipation of his departure can leave everyone feeling a little raw.

I remember when my own son was getting ready to leave for his mission. He was bright, zealous, and ready to do the work, but he was also nervous. I was too, honestly. We were just going through the motions, showing him the handbook, talking about the assignments, and generally trying to help him feel ready for the rigors ahead. But it wasn't until after he left that I heard from other mothers who had gone through this same experience—and the advice was simple, yet profound: Ask him to bless you.

I know what you might be thinking: *A blessing? Isn't that just a formality?* But I promise you, when it comes from the hands of someone who has recently been in the field, someone who is about to dedicate his life to serving others, it is nothing short of magical. It is a spiritual anchor.

The Power of the Priesthood Blessing

A blessing is not just words; it is a covenant connection. It is a tangible transfer of spiritual comfort and strength. When you ask an Elder who is about to go serve the Lord, you are asking him to bless you with the knowledge of the sacred commitments he is about to make, and the strength he is about to gain.

These blessings act like a spiritual pocket guide for the next few months. They remind you of the covenants, the promises, and the pure, steady direction of the gospel. It is a powerful, loving way to honor the sacrifices they are about to make, and it gives you a beautiful, lasting memory of their commitment to the work.

A Mission-Prep Skill: Being Prepared to Receive

If you have an Elder leaving soon, here is the mission-prep skill I want to pass along: Don't wait for him to initiate it. Be prepared to ask. When you ask, don't treat it like a favor; treat it like a sacred, anticipated moment. When he gives it, don't rush the words. Breathe it in. Try to feel the Spirit of the covenant. That feeling—that feeling of being uplifted and spiritually fortified—is what you are truly gathering.

Staying the Work, Even from Home

As returned missionaries, we learn that the work doesn't stop when the Elder leaves. The work continues through us. We are called to be Internet missionaries, to be disciples anywhere, all the time. If you are waiting for your own chance to be blessed by a returning missionary, remember that the Lord has given you the power to be a light right where you are. Whether you are studying for your own mission discussions or simply serving your ward, you are already doing the work.

"And he did teach them to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to do all things in the name of Christ." (Mosiah 17:27)

If this reminds you of the sacred gifts and commitments of the gospel, I encourage you to dive deeper into scripture studies. Have you considered joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces? It’s a wonderful way to connect with your local disciples and deepen your understanding of the restored gospel.

And speaking of deepening knowledge, if you want a recommended read to help you feel prepared for the next phase of your discipleship, I highly recommend diving into the writings of Iron Rod. His insights on sustained covenant keeping are incredibly helpful for those of us who are striving to be Christlike in our daily lives.

We are a community of Rogue Disciples, and we are always growing. If you're feeling called to deepen your knowledge of the gospel, check out our free weekly Disciple Challenge! It's a low-pressure way to build up your spiritual strength and connect with other members who are passionate about the work. Link in the comments!