Power and Authority from God

Recently, we have been working with someone who is preparing to be baptized next month. She is working on quitting smoking and drinking first in order to prepare for that baptism and requested help. I was so grateful that we could offer to have someone come and give her a priesthood blessing of healing and comfort. Two men from the Church who have been given that proper priesthood authority from God were able to come to her home and pronounce a blessing upon her from God. The Spirit filled the room and she felt an even stronger resolve to quit. I have also received many priesthood blessings in the past, mostly for comfort and counsel, but also for healing from illness. These blessings are so special because they are not just a nice prayer or thought from someone -- they are filled with promises and encouragement directly from God. These men who hold the authority of the priesthood to give blessings act in the name of Christ as a mouthpiece for God. They are guided by His Spirit to know what He would have them say. The priesthood is so important because it is the power and authority from God to act in His name. This power is used to baptize, give blessings, run Christ's church, and many other things. I am so grateful that God has made it possible for His children to have access to that power and the blessings of it. It gives me comfort to know that He loves us so much that He has restored that power to the Earth. Read more about the Restoration of the priesthood and Christ's church here: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/restoration