How to Do a Mormon Baby Blessing
The naming and blessing of a baby is a sacred ordinance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), informally known as the Mormon Church. In order to name and bless a baby, a worthy male member of the church must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. Babies are generally given a name and a blessing in the LDS Church within the first two months of life.
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Things You'll Need
- Permission of bishop or branch president to perform the ordinance
- White clothing for the baby (optional)
Instructions
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Form a circle with the other Melchizedek Priesthood holders you have asked to participate in the ordinance. Hold the child at the center of the circle with your hands, along with the hands of the other men, underneath him.
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Begin the blessing by addressing Heavenly Father.
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State that the ordinance is performed by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. This is often done in language such as, "By the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we take this infant in our arms to give him/her a name and a blessing."
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Give the child a name. This is often done in language similar to, "The name that we have chosen is Jane/John Doe."
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Add words of blessing as directed by the Holy Spirit. Close in the name of Jesus Christ.
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Tips & Warnings
Instructions for blessing babies can be found in Doctrine & Covenants (a book of LDS scripture) chapter 20 verse 70.
