Jesus Christ, during his ministry on the earth, “went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” (Matthew 9:35) The authority to heal the sick, and other priesthood powers, was given to His disciples as well. One example of this is found in the New Testament, where James states, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” (James 5:14-15)
Our Father in Heaven loves all of His children. These children include those who lived in the Holy Land at the time of Christ’s mortal ministry, as well as all of us on the earth today. The priesthood, or the power to act in Christ’s name, has been restored to the earth. In 1829, Joseph Smith received the priesthood, conferred through the laying on of hands by angelic messengers: John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John of Christ’s original Twelve Apostles.
Joseph Smith, with his ordination to the priesthood, also received the authority to organize and preside over Christ’s church on the earth. This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “the Mormons.” Priesthood holders today must be worthy members of the Church and ordained through the laying on of hands by one who already holds the priesthood. Thus, any line of priesthood can ultimately be traced back to those heavenly beings who ordained Joseph Smith, and then on to Christ Himself.
This priesthood also carries with it the power to bless and heal the sick and afflicted. According to a page on “Administering to the Sick” www.lds.org, “Worthy priesthood holders have the power to heal those who have the faith to be healed. The person who is sick must exercise faith in the power of Jesus Christ … People are not always healed after a priesthood administration, but Heavenly Father will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us. He knows that some people can become stronger by learning to live with their disability or sickness. Others may not be healed because it is not Heavenly Father’s will.”
Priesthood blessings can be a source of comfort for those who are ill. Through our faith, and according to the will of the Lord, people can be healed from their afflictions. This is yet another wonderful blessing from our Father in Heaven who is ever mindful of our needs.
