Quotes from Alonzo L. Gaskill

If worthy, there is a oneness that is to exist between the patriarch and God, who speaks to and through him during the act of the laying on of hands.

In the name of Jesus Christ" (suggesting that the words to be spoken are not his own but, rather, are Christ's words and Christ's will).

The priesthood holder acts in Christ's stead, doing the things the Lord would do if he were here.

This truth is underscored in a principle the Lord expressed to Edward Partridge: "I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon … " (D&C 36:2). The Lord did not actually place his hands upon Edward Partridge's head. Instead, he commissioned Sidney Rigdon…. In the process, though, it was truly as though the Lord himself were laying his hands upon Brother Partridge's head….

Thus, the patriarch is simply a surrogate—a stand-in—for God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. His hands upon you are God's hands, and his words spoken to you are God's words.

God is more interested in making you holy than popular. He is more interested in developing your character than making your life easy.

Your blessing is going to ask you to do some things that might not be what you would prefer. Do them anyway—and do them with all of your heart.

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), thirteenth President of the Church, taught, "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.

If you know your blessing well (through thoughtfully studying it), the Spirit will bring lines from your patriarchal blessing to your mind in those dark hours in which Satan is trying to discourage you by sending you false messages.