President Thomas S. Monson on the power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson (b. August 21, 1927) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives. The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated.

"We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you....

"My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives."

- Thomas S. Monson, "The Power of the Book of Mormon," General Conference, April 2017
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President Monson is almost 90 years old, and has served for over 53 years since his call as an apostle
in 1963. He has "worn himself out" in the Lord's service. His youthful vigor is gone—he gave two very short messages in this conference, and was not even able to attend all of the sessions. His words are a little slurred now, unlike the strong and bold voice we have been used to.

But one thing has not changed: the sureness of his witness, the strength of his teachings, the clarity of his call. In his message on Sunday morning, President Monson taught about the importance of the Book of Mormon, and testified of its power to bless and influence our lives:

It's interesting to reflect on how frequently we have been taught, as a church, this same message over the years by many leaders. But yet we still need to be reminded and re-challenged. It is up to us all, one by one, to claim the blessings that are promised, including strengthened testimony, familiarity with the Spirit's voice, ability to resist temptation, overcoming fear and doubt, and receiving more of "heaven's help in our lives."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)