We often think that you have to be ordained to the priesthood to heal the sick or work miracles. A careful reading of the gifts of the Spirit reveals that many gifts do not require priesthood ordination. Gifts such as healing — to some it is given to have faith to heal, and miracles — to some is given the working of miracles (D&C 46: 19-21)
The apostle Mark has also informed us that signs shall follow those who believe,
In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. (Mark 16: 17-18)
Can a woman who does not hold the priesthood heal others?
A woman shared an experience she had while in a class at BYU some time ago:
I was taking a class from Bro. Rodney Turner, The Life Of Christ. During one of his lectures on Priesthood he asked this question: “Can a woman who does not hold the priesthood heal others?” Of course there were many comments coming from the class, especially from return missionaries. The consensus was “No.” Then, Bro. Turner told this story.
“There was a mother and her children who had rented a cottage on the beach of the Atlantic coast line. One day, one of her sons stepped on a piece of glass and cut his foot severely. The mother, who was alone, grabbed the child and laid him on a bed. In a matter of minutes, the sheet she had wrapped the boy’s foot in, was soaked with blood. He was bleeding to death. She said, “Son, do you believe that God can heal your foot?” Of course, the child said, “yes” in his innocence. (Probably having more faith in his mother than in God.)” She knelt down by the bed and blessed her son and told him his foot would be completely healed. Moments later, the boy went to sleep.”
Bro. Turner said, “I was that boy, and that woman was my mother, who was of the Methodist Faith. I testify, that when I awoke, there was not a wound on my foot…. not even a scar.”
He warned the young men in the class not to be smug about the Priesthood they held. “Faith” is a vehicle by which all Priesthood power is administered.” You could have heard a pin drop. (comment by Kathryn)
Joseph Smith’s teachings on women healing others
Joseph Smith also taught that it was no sin for “any female laying hands on and praying for the sick, than in wetting the face with water; it is no sin for anybody to administer that has faith, or if the sick have faith to be healed by their administration.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 224)
When Joseph organized the Relief Society he talked about the sisters healing others on April 28, 1842:
Prest. S. then offered instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the laying on of hands— said it was according to revelation &c. said he never was plac’d in similar circumstances, and never had given the same instruction.
He clos’d his instructions by expressing his satisfaction in improving the opportunity.
The spirit of the Lord was pour’d out in a very powerful manner, never to be forgotten by those present on that interesting occasion.
(Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, Minutes of the Proceedings of the Fifth Sixth Meeting of the Society.Lodge Room, April 28,th 1842.)President Smith then gave instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the prayer of faith, the laying on hands, or the anointing with oil; and said it was according to revelation that the sick should be nursed with herbs and mild food, and not by the hand of an enemy. Who are better qualified to administer than our faithful and zealous sisters, whose hearts are full of faith, tenderness, sympathy and compassion. No one. Said he was never placed in similar circumstances before, and never had given the same instruction; and closed his instructions by expressing his heart-felt satisfaction in improving this opportunity. (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 607)
I realize things have changed somewhat, and that we are asked to call upon the elders of the church for a blessing, through the priesthood. That’s fine and keeps the church orderly. And I would not teach otherwise in a church setting. But, I believe that the gift of healing is a gift of the spirit and activated by faith in Jesus Christ, whether that be a woman or someone who is not a member of the church. We just forget that these are some of the signs that follow those who believe and have faith.
And I do not think it’s wrong for a woman to bless her child if it is expedient. I have a friend who pulled her toddler out of a water-filled spa, and applied her faith to revive that baby. There have been times in my life, when no priesthood holders were available, and I have blessed my sick babies.
However, there is such a thing as power in the priesthood. And that is something that is not reserved for males only. It’s one of the mysteries in the temple and ascending the ladder where we converse with the Lord.
Men have the authority to dispense the priesthood and preside in meetings and govern the affairs of the Church. I am content with their responsibilities. For I know I can approach the veil, as a woman and commune with the Lord and hear His voice and obey His words. Faith is a principle of power.
