Joseph Smith is recorded as using handkerchiefs to heal members on multiple occasions. Why was this practice effective in channeling priesthood power? Ritualistic priesthood power, such as those found in ordinances and priesthood blessings, require a physical component. These ideophonic acts of raising a hand while sustaining a leader, or placing hands on a person’s head while proffering an authoritative blessing, are necessary to effect the performative power (i.e. pragmeme) of the accompanying speech and empower change. In cases where physical distance between the priesthood holder and receiver prevent direct contact, efficacy of the pragmeme must be maintained in a material way. And yet, seemingly similar practices, such as a proxy holder laying hands on a reciever, are disavowed by the Church as authoritative blessings. By exploring the role of the material world in effecting spiritual power, I present an explanation which coherently addresses why both might be correct approaches to effecting priesthood power.