Priesthood Jurisdiction

[DU Ute]

We had dinner at my in-laws tonight. My father-in-law was late getting back from my niece's baseball game, so we started without him. When we sat down to eat my mother-in-law insisted I call on someone to give a blessing because I was the only priesthood holder. I told her she should do it because it was her home and I didn't have priesthood jurisdiction over her or her home. Was I wrong in this situation, or should I be the one to call on someone?

[FMCoug]

We had dinner at my in-laws tonight. My father-in-law was late getting back from my niece's baseball game, so we started without him. When we sat down to eat my mother-in-law insisted I call on someone to give a blessing because I was the only priesthood holder. I told her she should do it because it was her home and I didn't have priesthood jurisdiction over her or her home. Was I wrong in this situation, or should I be the one to call on someone?

God doesn't give a rat's backside who calls on someone to say the prayer. The fact that your MIL thought this ways is as big an indictment on Mormon culture as any.

[Slim]

The answer is:

You are both wrong.

She is wrong about the Priesthood thing and you are wrong for thinking it mattered enough to disagree with her.

[byu71]

God doesn't give a rat's backside who calls on someone to say the prayer. The fact that your MIL thought this ways is as big an indictment on Mormon culture as any.

I have to disagree with you. If someone isn't chosen to pray by the proper authority, someone could get a stomach ache.

[FMCoug]

I have to disagree with you. If someone isn't chosen to pray by the proper authority, someone could get a stomach ache.

You may be right. It might not make it through the protocol filters to be heard if it hasn't gone through the right channesl.

Seriously. Mormons seem to have boiled spirituality down to an IRS-esque bureacracy.

[mUUser]

Just buy the frickin' pizzas....er, say the prayer yourself, call on someone, let HER call on someone....who cares!!!

[byu71]

You may be right. It might not make it through the protocol filters to be heard if it hasn't gone through the right channesl.

Seriously. Mormons seem to have boiled spirituality down to an IRS-esque bureacracy.

It can create some confusion in a young persons mind. My Dad traveled a bit. I remember when I became a Priest, my Dad let me know when he was gone I was the Priesthood holder in the home and should act accordingly. Still my mom could ground me and tell me what to do.

[Slim]

I have to disagree with you. If someone isn't chosen to pray by the proper authority, someone could get a stomach ache.

Someone ought to do a study to determine whether prayer is simply bactericidal or whether it is also effective against preformed bacterial toxins.

[RobinFinderson]

The correct answer is this: As the guest in someone's home you were asked to perform a service. The gracious thing to do would be to accept the invitation regardless the host's reasoning. In a way you asserted a stronger priesthood leadership role by doing what you did. Presumably she accepted your explanation because you have the priesthood.

[DU Ute]

I should note that I didn't fight with her about it, I told her I thought it was her call to make and when she insisted I went ahead and called on someone. This is a bigger issue with me than just this instance because we've been staying with them for a couple of weeks and the dynamic between her and my FIL bothers Cutey and me a bit.

[DU Ute]

The correct answer is this: As the guest in someone's home you were asked to perform a service. The gracious thing to do would be to accept the invitation regardless the host's reasoning. In a way you asserted a stronger priesthood leadership role by doing what you did. Presumably she accepted your explanation because you have the priesthood.

I should have made a note that only priesthood holders should vote in this poll so the results are legit.

Ooops. I also just noted I voted for myself in error.

[KillerDog]

I just accept it as her calling on me to say the prayer and both people are happy.

[Surfah]

When my dad traveled for work, my mother would always ask me as the oldest priesthood holder to choose someone to pray. I have seen this same scenario acted out in other households as well. So on its face I side with your MIL. However, I think Robin was right. She asked you to do it, and as her guest, you probably should have.

[byu71]

When my dad traveled for work, my mother would always ask me as the oldest priesthood holder to choose someone to pray. I have seen this same scenario acted out in other households as well. So on its face I side with your MIL. However, I think Robin was right. She asked you to do it, and as her guest, you probably should have.

Was your mom like mine. Was she still able to ground you even though you were the oldest Priesthood holder or could you ground her.

[Katy Lied]

The correct answer is this: As the guest in someone's home you were asked to perform a service. The gracious thing to do would be to accept the invitation regardless the host's reasoning. In a way you asserted a stronger priesthood leadership role by doing what you did. Presumably she accepted your explanation because you have the priesthood.

I like this.