I am looking forward to this weekend.
It's the 181st semiannual General Conference of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"Now, brothers and sisters, we are anxious
to listen to the messages which will be presented to us today and
tomorrow. Those who will address us have sought heaven’s help and
direction as they have prepared their messages. That we may be filled
with the Spirit of the Lord and be uplifted and inspired as we listen
and learn is my prayer."
-President Thomas S. Monson
-President Thomas S. Monson
Preparing for Conference...
What are your personal challenges and opportunities? President
Uchtdorf said that “there are messages in each general conference
given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal
life situations.”
To help us receive these heaven-sent gifts and blessings from
conference, he suggests three basic concepts.
~ “General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing,” September 2011 Ensign.
I did try to prepare for general
conference... I went to the temple and I have read and listened to some of
the conference talks from general conference in April. I have been praying to feel
the Spirit and to make even one change for the better. (Go here if you want to watch: General Conference section of LDS.org.)
"In
preparation for general conference, let me suggest three basic concepts
that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words
spoken by the Lord’s servants.
1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.
As
you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions
you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction
and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.
Answers
to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or
from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly
unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude
for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the
words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.
2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.
Prophets
have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will
hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me
reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We
continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is
teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational
principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted
upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays
the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.
3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.
If
we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve
as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and
mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).
Since
the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of
heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen
and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.
Our
merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not
forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed
apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.
What
a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us
during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing
of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.
For this is no ordinary blessing."
