Power in the Priesthood

I listened to Elder Bednar's talk from Priesthood this morning called The Powers of Heaven. He spoke of the difference between the power and the authority of the Priesthood. It made me think of my Dad. Though he is not perfect (no one is), he has always had such a deep reverence for the Priesthood.

One of my favorite memories of him is when I went on a church history tour with him right after I came home from the mission. One of the stops was the Susquehanna River. Near here, both the Aaronic and the Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored. I will never forget the moment where my dad stood with his feet barely touching the water on the banks as the tour watched and listened to him expound about the priesthood. He had memorized his Priesthood line of authority and he named every man in the ordination line from his father back to Jesus Christ Himself. I actually took a picture of him when he was doing this:

I don't have it memorized myself, but will post it in here later when I get a minute to dig it out of one of my journals. 

No matter how short my line is (I think there are only 12 or 13 sets of "laying on of hands" between me and Jesus Christ Himself ---- me....my dad....my grandpa....George Q. Cannon....Joseph Smith....Peter, James and John....Jesus Christ), if the power is not present, the priesthood is invalid. 

How to qualify for the Power of the Priesthood:

• Fear God - AKA have deep respect and reverence for sacred things because sacred things come from Him. 
• Sacrifice (brings for the power and blessings of heaven - fasting is the easiest example, it works every time)
• Put God first 
• Make obedience our quest, not our burden ("the moment obedience ceases to be a burden and becomes our quest, we are endowed with power" - ETB)
• Live worthy of the Spirit - make it a priority in your life
• Seek revelation daily (Helaman 11:23)
• Attend the temple frequently and seek further light and knowledge (every time we can be endowed with power from on high).
• Serve and love others - especially home teaching.  
• Strive to magnify whatever calling you are in (D&C 84:33)
• Pray with all the energy of heart (Moroni 7:48)
• Study the Gospel seriously ("There is a power that will begin to flow into your lives, the moment you begin a serious study of the book." - ETB)

I'm sure the list could go on and I probably skipped some things, but these are the first ones that came to my mind. I also believe these are universal principles - not just for power in the priesthood. And I believe that "power in the priesthood" is upon all who live in this way. Not just priesthood holders. Go to the temple.

As I have tried to be more consistent in the above, I have felt tangible power. Even in my room at night and all day as I go throughout the day. It is literal. It is real. It is true and I love it. God's power is real. Angels attend those who truly apply these principles.