Sweet Hour of Prayer

“A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.”

Richard G. Scott, “Using The Supernal Gift of Prayer”, April 2007 General Conference

“We must not imagine that any kind of prayer, no matter how sincere, will be very effective if all we do is to say the prayer. We must not only say our prayers; we must also live them. The Lord is much more pleased with the person who prays and then goes to work than with the person who only prays. Much like medicine, prayer works only when we use it as directed.”

J. Devn Cornish, “The Privilege of Prayer”, October 2011 General Conference

“Prayer is a privilege and the soul’s sincere desire. We can move beyond routine and ‘checklist’ prayers and engage in meaningful prayer as we appropriately ask in faith and act, as we patiently persevere through the trial of our faith, and as we humbly acknowledge and accept ‘not my will, but Thine, be done.”

David A. Bednar, “Ask In Faith”, April 2008 General Conference

“Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with ‘Thy will be done’ (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).”

Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings”, October 2009 General Conference

“Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to ‘pray always’ (Luke 21:36; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; Doctrine & Covenants 31:12). Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children.”

David A. Bednar, “Pray Always”, October 2008 General Conference

“Prayers can be offered even in silence. One can think a prayer, especially when words would interfere. We often kneel to pray; we may stand or be seated. Physical position is less important than is spiritual submission to God.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Sweet Power of Prayer”, April 2003 General Conference

“Our prayers should be meaningful and pertinent. Do not use the same phrases at each prayer. Each of us would become disturbed if a friend said the same few words to us each day, treated the conversation as a chore, and could hardly wait to finish it in order to turn on the TV and forget us.

In all of our prayers it is well to use the sacred pronouns of the scriptures—Thee, Thou, Thy, and Thine—when addressing Deity in prayer, instead of the more common pronouns of you, your, and yours. In this arrangement we show greater respect to Deity.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “Prayer”, April 1977 General Conference

“Those commands do not require using many words. In fact, the Savior has told us that we need not multiply words when we pray. The diligence in prayer which God requires does not take flowery speech nor long hours of solitude. That is taught clearly in Alma in the Book of Mormon… Our hearts can only be drawn out to God when they are filled with love for Him and trust in His goodness. Joseph Smith, even as a boy, gave us an example of how we can come to pray from a heart filled with the love of God and then pray unceasingly through a life filled with trials and blessings.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Prayer”, October 2001 General Conference

“President Benson has urged: ‘If we would advance in holiness—increase in favor with God—nothing can take the place of prayer… Give prayer—daily prayer, secret prayer—a foremost place in your lives. Let no day pass without it. Communion with the Almighty has been a source of strength, inspiration, and enlightenment through the world’s history to men and women who have shaped the destinies of individuals and nations for good.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Power of Prayer”, April 1991 General Conference

“Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously. It may seem paradoxical, but that is why recognizing answers to prayer can sometimes be very difficult. Some face life with only their own experience and capacity to help them. Others seek, through prayer, divine inspiration to know what to do. When required, they qualify for power beyond their own capacity to do it.

“Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter.”

Richard G. Scott, “Learning to Recognize Answers To Prayers”, October 1989 General Conference

Position Statement:

Our Heavenly Father, creator of world without end desires, even commands, that each of us pray to Him. Through prayer life’s most difficult situations are brought into perspective and the peace of the Holy Ghost becomes ours. Christ gave us the ultimate example of humble prayer as he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane saying, “not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) It is evident from these statements from our modern day prophets and the example from Christ that prayer will not change the Father’s will but must be sought as a means to bring our will into subjection with His, that we may find true joy. I know that prayer all of us, including myself, must be more diligent in our prayers than we now are. However faithful we are at praying let us resolve to improve both the quality and quantity of our communications with The Almighty.

"The Supernal Gift of Agency"

“I once had an opportunity to accompany President Spencer W. Kimball to a distant land. We were given a tour of the various sites in the area, including underground catacombs—burial grounds for people who had been persecuted by Christian zealots. As we came up the dark, narrow stairs of that place, President Kimball taught me an unforgettable lesson. He pulled my coattail and said, ‘It has always troubled me what the adversary does using the name of our Savior.’ He then said, ‘Robert, the adversary can never have joy unless you and I sin.”

Robert D. Hales, “To Act For Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings Of Agency”, April 2006 General Conference

“Our agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about ‘the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice.”

Robert D. Hales, “Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life”, October 2010 General Conference

“While we pass laws to reduce pollution of the earth, any proposal to protect the moral and spiritual environment is shouted down and marched against as infringing upon liberty, agency, freedom, the right to choose.

Interesting how one virtue, when given exaggerated or fanatical emphasis, can be used to batter down another, with freedom, a virtue, invoked to protect vice. Those determined to transgress see any regulation of their life-style as interfering with their agency and seek to have their actions condoned by making them legal.

People who are otherwise sensible say, ‘I do not intend to indulge, but I vote for freedom of choice for those who do.”

Boyd K. Packer, “Our Moral Environment”, April 1992 General Conference

“I have heard a few parents state that they don’t want to impose the gospel on their children but want them to make up their own minds about what they will believe and follow. They think that in this way they are allowing children to exercise their agency. What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are (see Doctrine & Covenants 93:24). Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them. Parents should consider how the adversary approaches their children. He and his followers are not promoting objectivity but are vigorous, multimedia advocates of sin and selfishness.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Moral Discipline”, October 2009 General Conference

“As gospel learners, we should be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only’ (James 1:22). Our hearts are opened to the influence of the Holy Ghost as we properly exercise agency and act in accordance with correct principles—and we thereby invite His teaching and testifying power. Parents have the sacred responsibility to help children to act and to seek learning by faith. And a child is never too young to take part in this pattern of learning.”

David A. Bednar, “Watching with All Perseverance”, April 2010 General Conference

“Some who do not understand the doctrinal part do not readily see the relationship between obedience and agency. And they miss one vital connection and see obedience only as restraint. They then resist the very thing that will give them true freedom. There is no true freedom without responsibility, and there is no enduring freedom without a knowledge of the truth.”

Boyd K. Packer, “Agency And Control”, April 1983 General Conference

“As we ask these questions, we realize that the purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences. How do we do this? The scriptures give us an answer in one simple phrase: we ‘wait upon the Lord.’ Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, ‘all these things shall [be for our] experience, and … [our] good.”

Robert D. Hales, “Waiting Upon The Lord: Thy Will Be Done”, October 2011 General Conference

“Please understand, no one has the privilege to choose what is right. God reserved that prerogative to Himself. Our agency does allow us to choose among alternate paths, but then we are bound to the consequence God has decreed. Later, if we don’t like where the path takes us, the only out is through repentance.”

Richard G. Scott, “Healing Your Damaged Life”, October 1992 General Conference

“We tend to think of agency as a personal matter. If we ask someone to define “moral agency,” the answer will probably be something like this: ‘Moral agency means I am free to make choices for myself.’ Often overlooked is the fact that choices have consequences; we forget also that agency offers the same privilege of choice to others. At times we will be affected adversely by the way other people choose to exercise their agency. Our Heavenly Father feels so strongly about protecting our agency that he allows his children to exercise it, either for good or for evil.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Answers to Life’s Questions”, April 1995 General Conference

“Those opportunities require you to make choices, and choices depend on agency. A major reason for your mortal existence, therefore, is to test how you will exercise your agency. (See 2 Nephi 2:15, 25.)

“Agency is a divine gift to you. You are free to choose what you will be and what you will do. And you are not without help. Counsel with your parents is a privilege at any age. Prayer provides communication with your Heavenly Father and invites the promptings of personal revelation. And in certain circumstances, consultation with professional advisers and with your local leaders in the Church may be highly advisable, especially when very difficult decisions must be made.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Choices”, October 1990 General Conference

Position Statement:

When I stop to consider that agency is the only thing that is truly ours I am awed by the trust that our Heavenly Father places in each of us. He knew that each of us, in order to become like Him, would have to experience mortality. Our purpose here is to learn to become like Him that we may one day return to His presence. Of course, that will not be a haphazard event but in order to get there it will require the wise use of our agency, that we may be worthy to withstand His glory. I know that agency is an integral part of the Plan of Happiness and is the only thing that cannot and will not be taken from us. If we decide today to turn our agency back over to Heavenly Father, He will make more of our lives then we ever could have. Jesus’ words once spoken to His disciple perfectly embody the mindset we must have with our agency, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

The Power of The Atonement of Jesus Christ

“In preparatory times of the Old Testament, the practice of atonement was finite—meaning it had an end. It was a symbolic forecast of the definitive Atonement of Jesus the Christ. His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope—it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension.”

Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement”, October 1996 General Conference

“Brothers and sisters, I believe that if we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious is one son or daughter of God. I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English word atonement is the word one. If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others.

“If we truly understood the Atonement and the eternal value of each soul, we would seek out the wayward boy and girl and every other wayward child of God. We would help them to know of the love Christ has for them. We would do all that we can to help prepare them to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Atonement and The Value of One Soul", April 2004 General Conference

“The study of behavior is greatly improved when linked to standards and to values. Practical values, useful in everyday life, are found in the scriptures and the doctrines they reveal. I will give you one example: ‘We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel’… You need not know everything before the power of the Atonement will work for you. Have faith in Christ; it begins to work the day you ask!”

Boyd K. Packer, “Washed Clean”, April 1997 General Conference

“I believe that no matter how diligently you try, you cannot with your human mind fully comprehend the eternal significance of the Atonement nor fully understand how it was accomplished. We can only appreciate in the smallest measure what it cost the Savior in pain, anguish, and suffering or how difficult it was for our Father in Heaven to see His Son experience the incomparable challenge of His Atonement. Even so, you should conscientiously study the Atonement to understand it as well as you can. You can learn what is needful to live His commandments, to enjoy peace and happiness in mortal life. You can qualify, with obedient family members, to live with Him and your Father in Heaven forever.”

Richard G. Scott, “The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness”, October 2006 General Conference

“Sin is the willful transgression of divine law. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the gift of God to His children to correct and overcome the consequences of sin. God loves all of His children, and He will never cease to love and to hope for us. The plan of our Heavenly Father is clear, and His promises are great: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world … might be saved. (John 3:17)’

“Christ came to save us. If we have taken a wrong course, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can give us the assurance that sin is not a point of no return. A safe return is possible if we will follow God’s plan for our salvation.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Point of Safe Return”, April 2007 General Conference

“Many lessons can be learned from the account of the Atonement. It is comforting to know that, though suffering, Jesus Christ was able to look down from the cross and be concerned for His mother, that she should be properly cared for, as He asked for the help of a disciple. This is one of the great messages we have heard this conference—that we turn some of our attention from our own trials and tribulations to concern and caring for others.”

Robert D. Hales, “Lessons From the Atonement That Help Us Endure To The End”, October 1985 General Conference

“One can still go to the Garden of Gethsemane, but the Lord Jesus cannot be found there, nor is He in the Garden Tomb. He is not on the road to Emmaus, nor in Galilee, nor at Nazareth or Bethlehem. He must be found in one’s heart. But He left us the great Comforter forever (see John 14:16) and the everlasting power of the priesthood. Of this power, Jacob, the son of Lehi, testified, ‘We truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.’ (Jacob 4:6.)

“I testify that, through righteousness, this priesthood power and these supernal gifts of the Atonement and the Mediation can operate in our lives.”

James E. Faust, “The Supernal Gift of The Atonement”, October 1988 General Conference

“I testify that I know victims of serious abuse who have successfully made the difficult journey to full healing through the power of the Atonement. After her own concerns were resolved by her faith in the healing power of the Atonement, one young woman who had been severely abused by her father requested another interview with me. She returned with an older couple. I could sense that she loved the two very deeply. Her face radiated happiness. She began, ‘Elder Scott, this is my father. I love him. He’s concerned about some things that happened in my early childhood. They are no longer a problem for me. Could you help him?’ What a powerful confirmation of the Savior’s capacity to heal! She no longer suffered from the consequences of abuse, because she had adequate understanding of His Atonement, sufficient faith, and was obedient to His law. As you conscientiously study the Atonement and exercise your faith that Jesus Christ has the power to heal, you can receive the same blessed relief. During your journey of recovery, accept His invitation to let Him share your burden until you have sufficient time and strength to be healed.”

Richard G. Scott, “To Heal The Shattering Consequences of Abuse”, April 2008 General Conference

“Through His Atonement, He heals not only the transgressor, but He also heals the innocent who suffer because of those transgressions. As the innocent exercise faith in the Savior and in His Atonement and forgive the transgressor, they too can be healed.”

C. Scott Grow, “The Miracle of The Atonement”, April 2011 General Conference

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means—total, complete, all, forever. President Boyd K. Packer has taught: ‘There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the Atonement of Christ’ (“The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).”

Shayne M. Bowen, “The Atonement Can Clean, Reclaim, And Sanctify Our Lives”, October 2006 General Conference

Position Statement:

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest, most important, and most transcendent event to have ever taken place on this earth. Through those scenes in Gethsemane, on the cross and in the garden tomb all humanity is rescued from the bondage of death. Through those acts we may also be brought back to enjoy our Heavenly Father’s presence but unlike the salvation from physical death, this is dependent upon us. The debt has already been paid and although we could never repay it, our broken hearts and contrite spirits give to Christ what he desires most. The blessings that come from the Atonement of Jesus Christ are already available but we must claim them. Let us not delay another minute in doing what is necessary to qualify for the rest from sin and worldly cares that the Atonement brings. We must repent today!

The Temple Is The House of God

“The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings”, April 2001 General Conference

“Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy Temple A Beacon To The World”, April 2011 General Conference

“Say the word temple. Say it quietly and reverently. Say it over and over again. Temple. Temple. Temple. Add the word holy. Holy Temple. Say it as though it were capitalized, no matter where it appears in the sentence.

“Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-day Saint. Home. Put the words holy temple and home together, and you have described the house of the Lord!”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Temple – The Priesthood”, April 1993 General Conference

“I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?”

Richard G. Scott, “Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power In Times of Need”, April 2009 General Conference

“I bear witness that all those things that have and will bring me the greatest happiness in life have roots in the temple ordinances. Decide now to receive the ordinances of the temple at the appropriate time. Don’t let anything overcome that resolve.

“If you are now ready to receive the ordinances of the temple, prepare carefully for that crowning event… Come to the temple now. It will greatly bless your life and provide essential ordinances for those beyond the veil that they cannot obtain by themselves.”

Richard G. Scott, “Receive the Temple Blessings”, April 1999 General Conference

“Everything that occurs in the temple is eternal in its consequences. We there deal with matters of immortality, with things of eternity, with things of man and his relationship to his Divine Parent and his Redeemer. Hands must be clean and hearts must be pure and thoughts concerned with the solemnities of eternity when in these sacred premises.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Keeping The Temple Holy”, April 1990 General Conference

“I remember a warm, sunny afternoon when spring was trying to nudge its way through a long winter in Cache Valley, Utah. My father, whose Saturdays were always filled with chores for his grandsons, stopped by our home with an offer to ‘go for a ride.’ Always happy to ride in Grandpa’s truck, our four- and six-year-old sons scurried into the back jump seat, and I joined my father in the front. Our drive took us through the streets of downtown Logan, which wrap around the Logan Temple, prominently situated on a hill, centered beautifully in the city. As we moved further away from the city, we turned from paved, busy streets to seldom-used dirt roads, where we crossed old bridges and weaved through trees far into the country. We were far from any other traffic and all alone. Realizing his grandsons were in a place they had not been before, my father stopped the truck. ‘Do you think we are lost?’ he asked the wide-eyed boys as they gazed out the windshield across the valley. Followed by a moment of silent assessment came the profound reply of a young child. ‘Look,’ he said, pointing his finger. ‘Grandpa, you are never lost when you can see the temple.’ Our eyes turned, focusing with his, seeing the sun glistening off the spires of the Logan Temple, far across the valley. You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the ‘mist of darkness.’ 1. It is the house of the Lord. 2. It is a place where covenants are made and eternal ordinances are performed.”

Gary E. Stevenson, “Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples”, April 2009 General Conference

“We would do well to follow the example of our beloved prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson. He and his sweet companion, Flora, have set aside time each Friday to regularly attend the house of the Lord, and they would join with me here this morning in declaring that members of the Church who absent themselves from temple attendance, where it is possible for them to attend, are denying themselves rich blessings.”

David B. Haight, “Temples And The Work Therein”, October 1990 General Conference

“Another transcendent blessing came the last weekend of August when a magnificent temple of the Lord was dedicated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In its gleaming glory, the temple seems to beckon to each who views its splendor, ‘Come! Come to the house of the Lord. Here is found ‘rest for the weary and peace for the soul.’

“And how the people did come! First they thronged to the public open house, where reverently and quietly they viewed the interior of the temple and learned the purpose for its erection and of the blessings which the temple can provide. One visitor described the temple’s beauty with the words, ‘This is a center of serenity.’ As she was about to leave the temple, a young Asian girl said, ‘Mommy, this is beautiful here. I don’t want to go.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Days Never To Be Forgotten”, October 1990 General Conference

“When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families. As my wife, Karen, and I have increased our temple service, our love for each other and for our children has increased. And it doesn’t stop there. It extends to parents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, forebears, and especially our grandchildren! This is the Spirit of Elijah, which is the spirit of family history work; and when inspired by the Holy Ghost, it prompts the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Because of the priesthood, husbands and wives are sealed together, children are sealed to their parents for eternity so the family is eternal and will not be separated at death.”

Richard H. Winkel, “The Temple Is About Families”, October 2006 General Conference

Position Statement:

The temple is the House of God on earth. Within its sacred walls everything that is done pertains to eternity. The ordinances performed therein are only done once in our own behalf and every visit following is made to perform a saving ordinance for another child of God who cannot, without a physical body, do this for themselves. The Lord’s emphasis on the temple, even for the Children of Israel, is apparent as he commanded them to carry it with them in the wilderness. Today the command to build temples is in full force and our prophets have answered the call. With 136 operating temples around the world these special and necessary blessings are being made more accessible to all of God’s children. As we can read in the above statements, there truly is no sacrifice too great to gain access to the ordinances of God’s holy temple. Let us consider how we may qualify or more fully utilize the blessings of these sacred buildings of worship and through them dedicate our lives to the service of God.

Loving Service

“The tough part of that reality, however, is that for Him to give you that increased power you must go in service and faith to your outer limits.

“It is like building muscle strength. You must break down your muscles to build them up. You push muscles to the point of exhaustion. Then they repair themselves, and they develop greater strength. Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give.”

Henry B. Eyring, “O Ye That Embark”, October 2008 General Conference

“Our Savior teaches us to follow Him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others. If we do, He promises us eternal life, ‘the greatest of all the gifts of God’ (Doctrine & Covenants 14:7), the glory and joy of living in the presence of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Unselfish Service”, April 2009 General Conference

“We are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful. The pattern is simple but not easy to follow. We are so easily distracted. Studying the daily news can appear more interesting than the priesthood lesson manual. Sitting down to rest can be more attractive than making appointments to visit those who need our priesthood service.

When I find myself drawn away from my priesthood duties by other interests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: ‘Remember Him.’ The Lord is our perfect example of diligence in priesthood service. He is our captain. He called us. He goes before us. He chose us to follow Him and to bring others with us.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Act In All Diligence”, April 2010 General Conference

“The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service… Ward members, both adults and youth, can unite in meaningful service to bless the lives of others. Just two weeks ago, the President of the South America Northwest Area, Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy, reported that by assigning ‘the strong in spirit to those that are weak,’ they are rescuing hundreds of less-active adults and youth. Through love and service, ‘one by one’ they are coming back. These acts of kindness create a strong and lasting bond among everyone involved—both the helpers and the helpees. So many precious memories are centered around such service.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Finding Joy Through Loving Service”, April 2011 General Conference

“Now, some of you may be shy by nature, perhaps feeling yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, brethren, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it… To all who willingly respond to the sacred call of service comes the promise: ‘I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Sacred Call of Service”, April 2005 General Conference

“Service is an imperative for those who worship Jesus Christ. To followers who were vying for prominent positions in his kingdom, the Savior taught, ‘Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.’ (Matthew 20:27.) On a later occasion, he spoke of ministering to the needs of the hungry, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. He concluded that teaching with these words: ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.(Matthew 25:40.)”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Why Do We Serve?”, October 1984 General Conference

“My mother had lived an exemplary and full life. She was loved by family and friends. She had accomplished much in a life that was often hard and which was cut short by disease and sickness. In spite of all of this, her greatest regret was she had not given enough service. Now, I have no doubt my mother’s earthly sacrifice has been accepted by the Lord and that she has been welcomed by Him. But why was it foremost in her mind just days before her passing? What is service, and why is it so important in the gospel of Jesus Christ? First, we are commanded to serve one another. The first commandment is to love God. ‘And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ We demonstrate our love when we help and serve each other.”

Steven E. Snow, “Service”, October 2007 General Conference

“Service makes us strong in our faith and useful in His kingdom. Service gives us purpose and courage in life. It brings us closer to God and helps us refine our divine nature. It teaches us to love and understand our fellowmen, and it helps us forget about our personal desires, eliminating selfishness, pride, and ingratitude. It teaches us to think of the needs of others, which allows us to develop the virtues that the Savior possesses.”

Carlos H. Amado, “Service, A Divine Quality”, April 2008 General Conference

“Stretching our souls in service helps us to rise above our cares, concerns, and challenges. As we focus our energies on lifting the burdens of others, something miraculous happens. Our own burdens diminish. We become happier. There is more substance to our lives.”

David S. Baxter, “Faith, Service, Constancy”, October 2006 General Conference

“What are we doing? In attempting to prove to the Savior on this day which is so precious to all of us, when we celebrate, preach, and teach of the Resurrection and of the Savior breaking the bands of death, what are we doing and how do we demonstrate to the Savior the love we have for Him? Wouldn’t it be through our obedience and through our service and what we do with the time that we have?”

David B. Haight, “Love And Service”, April 1999 General Conference

Position Statement:

Our willingness to provide meaningful service to those around us is a direct indication of our love for the Lord. As the Savior said in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” our service to others brings us the love and approval of Heavenly Father. (Matthew 25:40) By getting outside ourselves to lift those around us we will find respite from the burdens we feel in our own lives. Each of us can look for opportunities to serve one another more frequently in our daily lives, whether it be stopping to assist that person with car trouble on the side of the road or writing a note to a friend in difficult circumstances. Through service in the temple we can unite families for eternity. Through missionary service we can come to see somebody as the Savior sees them. Through service in the home we can create love and catch a glimpse of heaven. And through our church service we maintain our covenants and sustain our leaders. Service is an important foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ. May we be more willing to go the extra mile with our brother or sister in need.

Priesthood: The Power of God On Earth

“Priesthood is the greatest power on earth. Worlds were created by and through the priesthood. To safeguard this sacred power, all priesthood holders act under the direction of those who hold the keys of the priesthood. These keys bring order into our lives and into the organization of the Church. For us, priesthood power is the power and authority delegated by God to act in His name for the salvation of His children. Caring for others is the very essence of priesthood responsibility. It is the power to bless, to heal, and to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. Righteous priesthood authority is most needed within the walls of our own homes. It must be exercised in great love. This is true of all priesthood holders—deacon, teacher, priest, elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle.”

James E. Faust, “Power Of The Priesthood”, April 1997 General Conference

“Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present.

“We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be.”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Power Of Priesthood Authority”, April 2010 General Conference

“The priesthood of God gives light to his children in this dark and troubled world. Through priesthood power we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to lead us to truth, testimony, and revelation. This gift is available on an equal basis to men, women, and children. Through the blessings of the priesthood, we can be equipped with ‘the whole armour of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil’ (see Ephesians 6:11–18). This protection is available to every one of us.

“Through the priesthood many other blessings are also available to all of the sons and daughters of God, making it possible for us to make sacred covenants and receive holy ordinances that enable us to travel that strait and narrow way back to our Father in Heaven (see Matthew 7:13–14).”

Robert D. Hales, “Blessings of the Priesthood”, October 1995 General Conference

“The gift of the priesthood is priceless. It carries with it the authority to act as God’s servants, to administer to the sick, to bless our families, and to bless others as well. Its authority can reach beyond the veil of death, on into the eternities. There is nothing else to compare with it in all this world. Safeguard it, treasure it, live worthy of it.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Priesthood Power”, April 2011 General Conference

“The blessings of the priesthood transcend our ability to comprehend. Faithful Melchizedek Priesthood holders can ‘become … the elect of God.’ They are ‘sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies’ and can ultimately receive ‘all that [the] Father hath.’ This may be hard to comprehend, but it is beautiful, and I testify that it is true.

“The fact that our Heavenly Father would entrust this power and responsibility to man is evidence of His great love for us and a foreshadowing of our potential as sons of God in the hereafter. Nevertheless, too often our actions suggest that we live far beneath this potential.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Potential, your Privilege”, April 2011 General Conference

“The destiny of the rising generation of priesthood holders is far more than to be ready to bring God’s power down to heal the sick. The preparation is to be ready to go and do whatever the Lord wants done as the world is preparing for His coming. None of us knows exactly what those errands will be. But we know what it will take to be ready, so each of us can prepare… Now, the Lord said Nephi could be trusted because he would ask nothing contrary to God’s will. To have that confidence in Nephi, the Lord had to be sure that Nephi believed in revelation, sought it, and followed it. Long experience following inspiration from God was a part of Nephi’s priesthood preparation. It must be part of yours.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Be Ready”, October 2009 General Conference

“The purpose of priesthood authority is to give, to serve, to lift, to inspire—not to exercise unrighteous control or force. In some cultures, tradition places a man in a role to dominate, control, and regulate all family affairs. That is not the way of the Lord. In some places the wife is almost owned by her husband, as if she were another of his personal possessions. That is a cruel, unproductive, mistaken vision of marriage encouraged by Lucifer that every priesthood holder must reject. It is founded on the false premise that a man is somehow superior to a woman. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The scriptures confirm that Father in Heaven saved His greatest, most splendid, supreme creation, woman, to the end. Only after all else was completed was woman created. Only then was the work pronounced complete and good.”

Richard G. Scott, “Honor The Priesthood And Use It Well”, October 2008 General Conference

“The Lord has made those consequences clear. Rising to the possibilities of the oath and covenant brings the greatest of all the gifts of God: eternal life. That is a purpose of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Through keeping the covenants as we receive the priesthood and renewing them in the temple ceremonies, we are promised by an oath made by our Heavenly Father, Elohim, that we will gain the fullness of His glory and live as He lives. We will have the blessing of being sealed in a family forever with the promise of eternal increase… There is another wonderful blessing that will encourage you as you keep your priesthood covenants. Priesthood service will prepare you for living in eternal families. It will change your feelings about what it means to be a husband or a father or a son or a brother. That change in your heart will come as you feel your faith grow and the promise of eternal life through the Melchizedek Priesthood becomes real to you.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Faith and The Oath And Covenant of the Priesthood”, April 2008 General Conference.

“Now, later in your life you will be a father—a priesthood father. What you have learned in your priesthood service as you helped others away from sadness and toward happiness will give you the power you will need and want. Years of being responsible for the souls of men will prepare you for helping and protecting your family, whom you will love more than you can imagine in your youth. You will know how to lead them with priesthood power to safety.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Man Down!", April 2009 General Conference

“Just as clean wires, properly connected, are required to carry electrical power, so clean hands and pure hearts are required to carry priesthood power. Filth and grime slow or prevent the flow of electrical power. Unclean thoughts and actions interfere with individual priesthood power. When we are humble, clean, and pure of hand, heart, and mind, nothing righteous is impossible. An ancient Oriental saying declares, ‘If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.”

John H. Groberg, “Priesthood Power”, April 2001 General Conference

Position Statement:

The Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God on earth. Those who are found worthy to hold the priesthood carry a great responsibility as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ to do what He would do if He were present. For millennia it has been common practice for God to grant this authority to man as we know authorized sacrifice was performed in the days of Adam. When Christ left this mortal life He left his priesthood authority in the hands of the Apostles until one by one they were banished or murdered. As the priesthood authority left this earth with the Apostles, for 1700 years the world sat in darkness until the year 1829 when the priesthood was again brought back through the Prophet Joseph Smith. We ought to regard the priesthood with high esteem and always seek to have its influence in our lives. As the power of God unto salvation let us seek to always be worthy of its blessings.

The Joy of Missionary Work!

“The Savior’s impassioned charge to ‘feed [His] sheep’ continues in force today. Like Peter and his brethren of old, the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ today have the charge to take the gospel to all the world. This charge is seldom far from our minds. Every General Authority has the responsibility to be a missionary.

“But the Savior was not just talking to the Apostles. He was also talking to every person who has been blessed to hear the gospel and is a member of His Church. In revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord puts it in very simple terms: ‘It becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor’ (Doctrine & Covenants 88:81).”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work”, April 2003 General Conference

“This is God’s work, and God’s work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done before the Great Jehovah can announce that the work is done. While we praise and honor those faithful Saints who have brought us to this point of public prominence, we cannot afford, my brothers and sisters, to be comfortable or content.

“We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints over 175 years ago and carried out through the subsequent decades by faithful Saints of every generation. We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Truth Of God Shall Go Forth”, October 2008 General Conference

“Personal worthiness is the minimum spiritual standard for serving a mission. This means that you are worthy in every way to make and to keep sacred temple covenants. Do not disqualify yourself from the blessings bestowed on those who serve in this very special calling by committing acts of transgression which will make you ineligible to serve… We remind you that where much is given, much is required. We issue the call again for all spiritually, physically, and emotionally qualified young men to come forth prepared to become missionaries in the Church of Jesus Christ. Be certain that you easily clear the minimum standards for service as a missionary and that you are continually raising the bar. Prepare yourself to be more effective in this great calling.”

Elder L. Tom Perry, “Raising The Bar”, October 2007 General Conference

“The issue is not going to church; rather, the issue is worshipping and renewing covenants as we attend church. The issue is not going to or through the temple; rather, the issue is having in our hearts the spirit, the covenants, and the ordinances of the Lord’s house. The issue is not going on a mission; rather, the issue is becoming a missionary and serving throughout our entire life with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. It is possible for a young man to go on a mission and not become a missionary, and this is not what the Lord requires or what the Church needs.”

David A. Bednar, “Becoming A Missionary”, October 2005 General Conference

“When our youth understand the significance of the Restoration of the gospel and know for themselves that God is our Heavenly Father and He loves all of His children, that Jesus is the Christ, and that together They personally visited Joseph Smith to open this, the final dispensation of time, they will want to help carry this message to the world. When our youth see the Book of Mormon as tangible evidence that the message of the Restoration is true, they will be filled with a desire to do their part in teaching these truths to our Heavenly Father’s children.”

M. Russell Ballard, “One More”, April 2005 General Conference

“Our ability to touch others with our warning voice matters to all who are covenant disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is the charge given to each of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: ‘Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor’ (Doctrine & Covenants 88:81).

“That command and warning of danger was given to those called as missionaries at the start of the Restoration. But the duty to warn our neighbor falls on all of us who have accepted the covenant of baptism. We are to talk with nonmember friends and relatives about the gospel. Our purpose is to invite them to be taught by the full-time missionaries who are called and set apart to teach. When a person has chosen to accept our invitation to be taught, a “referral” of great promise has been created, one far more likely to enter the waters of baptism and then to remain faithful.

“As a member of the Church, you can expect that the full-time or the stake missionaries will ask for the opportunity to visit with you in your home. They will help you make a list of people with whom you could share the gospel. They may suggest you think of relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances. They may ask you to set a date by which you will try to have the person or family prepared to be taught, perhaps even ready to invite the missionaries. I’ve had that experience. Because we in our family accepted that invitation from the missionaries, I was blessed to perform the baptism of a widow in her 80s, taught by sister missionaries.”

Henry B. Eyring, “A Voice Of Warning”, October 1998 General Conference

“A most significant evidence of our conversion and of how we feel about the gospel in our own lives is our willingness to share it with others and to help missionaries find someone to teach. The likelihood of lasting conversion greatly increases when a nonmember has a friend or a relative who radiates the joy of being a member of the Church. The influence of members of the Church is very powerful. I believe that’s why President Hinckley asked us to see that everyone has a friend.

“Here, then, is an important key to our success in accelerating the Lord’s work. As active members of the Church, and especially as priesthood and auxiliary leaders, we need to do more to assist in the process of conversion, retention, and activation. We know that faithful members desire to serve, but sometimes we lose sight of the essential outcomes that our faith and works ought to produce in strengthening the commitment of our Father’s children to the gospel.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Now Is The Time”, October 2000 General Conference

“As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into our own lives. This charity is essential in missionary work, but we must never allow ourselves to treat our neighbors only as potential converts. We have had the sad experience of seeing members of the Church who attempted to convert their neighbors and friends and, when they did not respond, withdrew their friendship and neighborliness. We must not be so anxious to share the gospel that we become insensitive to the feelings of others.

“I encourage you to build personal, meaningful relationships with your nonmember friends and acquaintances. Interest in the gospel may come later as a natural extension of a good friendship. Invitations to participate in gospel-related activities often will strengthen relationships with acquaintances. If they are not interested in the gospel, we should show unconditional love through acts of service and kindness, and never imply that we see an acquaintance only as a potential convert. Members must understand that when a nonmember declines one invitation to investigate the gospel, he has not necessarily rejected the gospel.”

M. Russell Ballard, “The Hand Of Fellowship”, October 1988 General Conference

“You might be asking yourself: How can I assist in missionary work? In what ways can I participate? There are two fundamental truths to keep in mind as you embark on the work. First, have a clear understanding that God loves all His children and desires their salvation. In Doctrine and Covenants 18:13 we read, ‘And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth.’ Second, our message of Christ and His restored gospel is the most important gift you have to give.”

Silvia H. Allred, “Go Ye Therefore”, October 2008 General Conference

“The Lord needs messengers to match His message. He needs those who are able to wield the mighty and eternal influence that He has placed in their hands. In section 88, where the Lord speaks of hastening His work, He gives to the laborers of His kingdom a commandment to ‘prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean’ (Doctrine & Covenants 88:74). The calling to serve the Lord places a tremendous but ennobling responsibility upon each of us.”

David B. Haight, “Missionary Work – Our Responsibility”, October 1993 General Conference

Position Statement:

Doctrine & Covenants 123:12 reads, “For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.” How great is the need for missionary work to take place then if all that must be done in many cases is show God’s children the way. Missionary work can take on many forms and does not need to always be sermon from the pages of scripture. We can share the message of the restored gospel through service and friendship and thereby invite all everybody to come unto Christ in a very natural way. Our message is the most important news since the Atonement of Jesus Christ and it is true. It speaks for itself in its level of importance and therefore we must simply be bold in declaring it while never becoming overbearing. As many prophets have told us, there are those within our groups of friends who are in need of our message and the Lord has placed us there to share it. May we seek to be guided in these efforts.

Pornography: A Word of Warning

"Third, do all that you can to avoid pornography. If you ever find yourself in its presence—which can happen to anyone in the world in which we live—follow the example of Joseph of Egypt. When temptation caught him in her grip, he left temptation and 'got him out' (Genesis 39:12).

Don’t accommodate any degree of temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable destruction. So, turn it off! Look away! Avoid it at all costs. Direct your thoughts in wholesome paths. Remember your covenants and be faithful in temple attendance. The wise bishop I quoted earlier reported that 'an endowed priesthood bearer’s fall into pornography never occurs during periods of regular worship in the temple; it happens when he has become casual in his temple worship' (letter of Mar. 13, 2005).

We must also act to protect those we love. Parents install alarms to warn if their household is threatened by smoke or carbon monoxide. We should also install protections against spiritual threats, protections like filters on Internet connections and locating access so others can see what is being viewed. And we should build the spiritual strength of our families by loving relationships, family prayer, and scripture study."

Dallin H. Oaks, “Pornography”, April 2005 General Conference

"Tainted as well is the movie producer, the television programmer, or the entertainer who promotes pornography. Long gone are the restraints of yesteryear. So-called realism is the quest, with the result that today we are surrounded by this filth.

Avoid any semblance of pornography. It will desensitize the spirit and erode the conscience. We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants, 'That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.' Such is pornography."

Thomas S. Monson, “True To The Faith”, April 2006 General Conference

"In our private forest of family and friends, life is richly rewarding and abundantly beautiful. Then suddenly, there appears before us in this generation a sinister and diabolical enemy—pornography. Like the bark beetle it too is the carrier of a deadly disease. I shall name it “pernicious permissiveness.'

At first we scarcely realize we have been infected. We laugh and make light-hearted comment concerning the off-color story or the clever cartoon. With evangelical zeal we protect the so-called rights of those who would contaminate with smut and destroy all that is precious and sacred. The beetle of pornography is doing his deadly task—undercutting our will, destroying our immunity, and stifling that upward reach within each of us."

Thomas S. Monson, “Pornography – The Deadly Carrier”, October 1979 General Conference

"Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.

Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.

The Apostle Paul declared: 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.' Brethren, it is our responsibility to keep our temples clean and pure."

Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings”, April 2010 General Conference

"How can a man, particularly a priesthood bearer, not think of the damage emotionally and spiritually caused to women, especially to a wife, from such abhorrent activity? The participation in pornography in any of its lurid forms is a manifestation of unbridled selfishness."

Richard G. Scott, “The Sanctity Of Womanhood”, April 2000 General Conference

"If you are ensnarled in pornography, make a total commitment to overcome it now. Find a quiet place; pray urgently for help and support. Be patient and obedient. Don’t give up.

Parents, be aware that the addiction of pornography can begin with youth at a very early age. Take preventative action to avoid that tragedy. Stake presidents and bishops, warn of this evil. Invite anyone you consider captured by it to come to you for help."

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance”, October 2009 General Conference

"Keep in mind Satan does not want us to be happy or successful in our Aaronic Priesthood ministry. Make no mistake, he wants us to be miserable. His goal is to capture our hearts by enticing us to participate in terrible things such as pornography. Stay away from it. We must discipline ourselves to avoid books, magazines, music, pictures, videos, DVDs, movies, Internet sites, television programming—anything that contains pornography or sensual material. Pornography and priesthood are not compatible. Respect the priesthood; call a permanent time-out to any pornographic influence."

H. David Burton, “Honoring The Priesthood”, April 2000 General Conference

"And so we say to you: Teach your children to avoid smut as the plague it is. As citizens, join in the fight against obscenity in your communities. Do not be lulled into inaction by the pornographic profiteers who say that to remove obscenity is to deny people the rights of free choice. Do not let them masquerade licentiousness as liberty."

Spencer W. Kimball, “A Report And A Challenge”, October 1976 General Conference

"Pornography is not a victimless crime. Who are its victims? First, those who either intentionally, or sometimes involuntarily, are exposed to it. Pornography is addictive. What may begin as a curious exploration can become a controlling habit. Studies show that those who allow themselves to become drawn to pornography soon begin to crave even coarser content. Continued exposure desensitizes the spirit and can erode the conscience of unwary people. A victim becomes a slave to carnal thoughts and actions. As the thought is father to the deed, exposure can lead to acting out what is nurtured in the mind."

David B. Haight, “Personal Morality”, October 1984 General Conference

"Another false philosophy that appeals to the Mr. Hyde side of our natures is that peeking into pornography is harmless. This is a terrible deception. Pornography is as addictive as cocaine or any illegal drug. I recently received a heartbreaking letter from an excommunicated man whose soul is filled with sorrow and regret. With his permission, I quote the following from his letter: 'I hope that this letter will confirm to any who have doubt that the path of destruction only reaps sorrow and grief and no sin is worth this price.' … The letter goes on to admit: 'My sins are a direct result of my early childhood addiction to pornography. Without a doubt, pornography is addictive and is poison. Had I learned early in my life to apply the power of self-mastery, I would be a member of the Church today.' One of Mr. Hyde’s deceptions is what some erroneously call “premeditated repentance.” There is no such doctrine in this Church."

James E. Faust, “The Enemy Within”, October 2000 General Conference

Position Statement:

Modern prophets have warned us that Pornography is more addictive and potentially more harmful than illicit drugs. By distorting natural emotions many in our day are led away by the illusion that pornography is love, that it offers happiness only to find a world of pain and sorrow. As Satan pushes society further and further beyond the bounds of what is decent and wholesome we must stand strong against the winds of change and be that city “set on a hill.” Because our inspired leaders know just how pervasive this form of filth has become the Church has set up many programs and even websites to help those who are trapped within its chains. If you are trapped get out, do what is necessary to get away from this pit. It will destroy all that is good and sacred in life and suck every bit of joy from it. Resolve today and the Lord will be your companion as the Atonement of Jesus Christ will begin to work immediately.

Family History: A Labor of Love

“In order for the Church’s family history efforts to succeed, priesthood direction and leadership are essential. Leaders teach and testify of the doctrine undergirding this sacred work. They issue callings and see that instruction is available. They view temple and family history activity as a way to elevate the spirit of their ward, strengthen the spiritual roots of new converts, and bless the lives of all members.

While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families.

We are exalted when we can dwell together with our extended families in the presence of Almighty God. The Prophet Joseph Smith foresaw our duty: ‘The great day of the Lord is at hand … ,’ he said. ‘Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter‑day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple … a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Generations Linked In Love”, April 2010 General Conference

“The Spirit of Elijah affects people inside and outside of the Church. However, as members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel. ‘They without us should not be made perfect’ (Hebrews 11:40). And ‘neither can we without our dead be made perfect’ (Doctrine & Covenants 128:15).”

David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of The Children Shall Turn”, October 2011 General Conference

To get started, you do not need equipment. Begin with a pedigree chart and a family group record. List the names of those you know. Add information learned from living relatives. This simple start at home will prepare you to receive additional help. And when you are baptized for a deceased ancestor, you will sense a feeling of validation of this divine work that will bring great joy.

As we ponder the importance of our ancestral responsibilities, we also need to be reminded of the Lord’s vast ministry. I quote from President Joseph F. Smith: ‘Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection from the dead; although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father Adam that have been or ever will be born upon this earth to the end of time… That is his mission. We will not finish our work until we have saved ourselves, and then not until we shall have saved all depending upon us; for we are to become saviors upon Mount Zion, as well as Christ. We are called to this mission. The dead are not perfect without us, neither are we without them.”

Russell M. Nelson, “A New Harvest Time”, April 1998 General Conference

“At present you may find it difficult to go to the temple personally, but you can submit ancestors’ names for temple work. You may live where resources are very limited. Begin with ancestors that are closest to you. Search beyond your surname, following all lines of ancestry. Following the simple guidelines, prepare requests for temple work. Resolve to bless the lives of those who are dependent upon you—and in so doing, bless your own life profoundly.

I don’t need to tell you the details of where to go and who to see. When you determine you are going to succeed, you will find a way. You will discover those who can help you. I promise you the Lord will bless you in your efforts, for this is His work, and He will guide your prayerful efforts to bring the ordinances and covenants to your ancestors.

I have tasted enough of the fruits of this sublime work to know that the keys Elijah restored to Joseph Smith permit our hearts to be bound and each of us linked to those of our ancestors who are waiting for our help. Through our efforts in holy temples here on earth using the authority delegated by the Savior, our progenitors receive the saving ordinances that allow them to enjoy eternal happiness.”

Richard G. Scott, “Redemption: The Harvest of Love”, October 1990 General Conference

“Many of your deceased ancestors will have received a testimony that the message of the missionaries is true. When you received that testimony you could ask the missionaries for baptism. But those who are in the spirit world cannot. The ordinances you so cherish are offered only in this world. Someone in this world must go to a holy temple and accept the covenants on behalf of the person in the spirit world. That is why we are under obligation to find the names of our ancestors and ensure that they are offered by us what they cannot receive there without our help.

For me, knowing that turns my heart not only to my ancestors who wait but to the missionaries who teach them. I will see those missionaries in the spirit world, and so will you. Think of a faithful missionary standing there with those he has loved and taught who are your ancestors. Picture as I do the smile on the face of that missionary as you walk up to him and your ancestors whom he converted but could not baptize or have sealed to family until you came to the rescue. I do not know what the protocol will be in such a place, but I imagine arms thrown around your neck and tears of gratitude.

If you can imagine the smile of the missionary and your ancestor, think of the Savior when you meet Him. You will have that interview. He paid the price of the sins of you and all of Heavenly Father’s spirit children. He is Jehovah. He sent Elijah. He conferred the powers of the priesthood to seal and to bless out of perfect love. And He has trusted you by letting you hear the gospel in your lifetime, giving you the chance to accept the obligation to offer it to those of your ancestors who did not have your priceless opportunity. Think of the gratitude He has for those who pay the price in work and faith to find the names of their ancestors and who love them and Him enough to offer them eternal life in families, the greatest of all the gifts of God. He offered them an infinite sacrifice. He will love and appreciate those who paid whatever price they could to allow their ancestors to choose His offer of eternal life.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Hearts Bound Together”, April 2005 General Conference.

“Temple and genealogy work are visible testimonies of our belief in the resurrection and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Should we doubt that we live again beyond the veil, what reason would we have to do the things we are doing?

This work is our witness of the redemptive power of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Boyd K. Packer, “Covenants”, April 1987 General Conference

“The statement of President Joseph F. Smith, in speaking of the redemption of the dead, provides a touching explanation of the joy felt by all who participate in this and other similar endeavors: ‘Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Priesthood In Action”, October 1992 General Conference

One of the most thrilling results of being involved in family research and genealogical research is becoming intimately acquainted with our ancestors—their challenges and achievements—and then showing our gratitude by performing for them the ordinances that will allow them to obtain the greatest of all gifts—the gift of eternal life.

David B. Haight, “Linking the Family of Man”, April 1991 General Conference

“It will help us always to remember Paul’s succinct prioritizing of virtues—‘Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.’ He reminds us we are all of the body of Christ, and that all members, whether comely or feeble, are adored, essential, and important. We feel the depth of his plea that there be ‘no schism in the body, but that the members … have the same care one for another. And [when] one member suffer[s], all the members suffer with it; or [when] one member [is] honoured, all the members rejoice.’ That incomparable counsel helps us remember that the word generosity has the same derivation as the word genealogy, both coming from the Latin genus, meaning of the same birth or kind, the same family or gender. We will always find it easier to be generous when we remember that this person being favored is truly one of our own.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal”, April 2002 General Conference

“If temple ordinances are an essential part of the restored gospel, and I testify that they are, then we must provide the means by which they can be accomplished. All of our vast family history endeavor is directed to temple work. There is no other purpose for it. The temple ordinances become the crowning blessings the Church has to offer.”

Gordon B Hinckley, “New Temples to Provide ‘Crowning Blessings’ Of The Gospel”, April 1998 General Conference

Position Statement:

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared in Doctrine & Covenants 128:18, “Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel.” As stated above, all roads in family history work within the gospel lead to the temple where saving ordinances will be performed to link us together as families for eternity. In 1 Corinthians 15:29 the Apostle Paul speaks of baptism for the dead which becomes a biblical basis for the practice that is carried out today in LDS temples and a main reason why we seek to do family history work. With the technology of our day this work has become ever more accessible to all, both young and old. In 1836 with the appearance of the ancient prophet Elijah to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the prophecy found in Malachi that the hearts of the children would turn to the fathers and the fathers to the children began to be fulfilled. Today we see family history work as one of the biggest hobbies and pastimes in the United States as the Spirit of Elijah permeates the hearts of many throughout the world. We must be diligent in this work, for we know what is at stake.