Why We Need the Priesthood

“So many of the blessings I rely on daily—direction, comfort, healing, protection, renewal—come through the power of the priesthood.”

Today I want to talk about the priesthood.

During my scripture study last week, I spent time in D&C 84 where Joseph Smith received revelation about the priesthood. This chapter goes into great detail about both the higher priesthood (Melchizedek Priesthood) and lower priesthood (Aaronic Priesthood), and the blessings that come from each. It also explains how Moses tried to help the Israelites receive higher blessings—but they rejected them, and the priesthood was eventually taken away (what we know as The Great Apostasy).

The chapter also teaches why we need the priesthood, the blessings it brings, and the warnings for those who reject it. Let’s break that down a bit:

Why We Need The Priesthood

Through priesthood ordinances we receive the blessings needed to return back to our Savior. The priesthood allows us to perform saving ordinances like baptism, confirmation, endowments, and sealings. These are special covenants we make that bind us to God and unlock His power in our lives.

It’s said that “without the priesthood and the saving ordinances thereof, the whole earth would be utterly wasted.” That’s how central it is to God’s plan.

His plan is family-centered. The earth exists so His children can come, receive ordinances, make covenants, and return to Him together as eternal families. None of this would be possible without the priesthood.

The Priesthood Blesses Everyone—Not Just Those Who Hold It

While women don’t hold the priesthood, they absolutely receive priesthood power - especially in the temple! There, we are endowed with power. We make covenants through priesthood authority and serve in divinely appointed roles that directly use priesthood blessings.

Children are blessed through ordinances and priesthood blessings. Families are strengthened through sealing. Communities are uplifted through inspired callings. The whole world is blessed through temple work for the dead and missionary work for the living.

Without the priesthood, none of this would exist. No church. No ordinances. No spiritual guidance. No temple work. And no clear path back to God.

Blessings That Come From The Priesthood

Through the priesthood, we are given access to all spiritual power. We are given the strength we need to resist temptations, overcome trials, heal spiritually and physically, receive divine direction, and feel God’s presence more clearly. This power can (and should) be used always - it’s given to us from God to help us be more like Him and return to Him.

Through the priesthood, God organizes His Church, calls leaders, and speaks through living prophets and apostles. This means we don’t have to guess what truth is. We can receive comfort, healing, and personal direction through priesthood blessings.

Living under priesthood covenants also brings protection—peace in a chaotic world, spiritual safety, and clarity when we’re unsure which path to take. It gives us identity and purpose as members of God’s eternal family.

Life Without the Priesthood

We see a glimpse of this in the scriptures. The priesthood wasn’t restored until the prophet Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Before the restoration, Joseph Smith (amongst many others) were confused, lost, and unhappy. He felt like something was missing, and his relationship with God wasn’t as close as it could be. Without the priesthood, that’s how we would feel—lost, confused, distant.

We wouldn’t live for eternity with our families.

We wouldn’t make it back to God.

That’s why making and keeping sacred covenants through the priesthood matters so much.

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I didn’t always realize how important the priesthood was until I studied it more deeply. But now I see it clearly—so many of the blessings I rely on daily—direction, comfort, healing, protection, renewal—come through the power of the priesthood.

I’m grateful every day to live in a time when it has been restored to the earth.

Tell me in the comments below!

Did you learn anything new about the priesthood? What’s one of your favorite blessings from the priesthood and why? I’d love to hear from you!