an important purpose of giving the melchizedek priesthood to every adult latter-day saint man is to allow fathers and husbands to be able to give priesthood blessings of healing, comfort, counsel, and strength to their children and wife, and to preside over the family unit in a righteous manner. many lds fathers give a priesthood blessing to their children before the start of each new school year or before an important life event such as marriage. each melchizedek priesthood bearer, regardless of priesthood office, is encouraged to give priesthood blessings when called upon by others.