Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on our loving Father in Heaven

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (1940- ) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"We, of all people, should be 'sing[ing] the song of redeeming love' (Alma 5:26), but that takes discipline—'discipleship,' if you will—the kind that guards against negative attitudes and destructive habits that would pull us off-key as we try to sing that song of eternal salvation.

"Even as we stay 'on the sunny side of the street,' we do run into that fellow from time to time who is determined to find something bleak and dismal about everything. You know his motto: 'It is always darkest just before it goes pitch-black.' What a malignant vision, and what a miserable existence! Yes, we might sometimes want to run away from where we are, but we certainly should never run away from who we are—children of the living God who loves us, who is always ready to forgive us, and who will never, ever forsake us. You are His most precious possession. You are His child, to whom He has given prophets and promises, spiritual gifts and revelations, miracles and messages, and angels on both sides of the veil."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Fear Not: Believe Only!", General Conference April 2022, Saturday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the complete address

Much of Elder Holland's address was directed to youth, but with powerful application to all of us. The challenges of life are often profound and heavy. But remembering who we really are, what our heritage is, the help that is available through the Savior's Atonement—those are all great keys to moving forward successfully in life.

We must never forget that we truly do have a loving Father! And that He has provided so many resources to help us with our challenges, and will continue to love and sustain us. Elder Holland's witness was powerful, and if it helps only one struggling youth, it will certainly have been worthwhile. But I believe it has power to help every one of us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on showing real love to God and one another

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"We must at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love and the long time it takes to prove it by our actions. Real love does take time. The Great Shepherd had the same thoughts in mind when he taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; italics added) and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' (John 21:16; italics added). Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not a passing fancy. Love is not an expediency. Love is not a convenience. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' are God-given proclamations that should remind us we can often best show our love through the processes of feeding and keeping....

"Certainly the best way for us to show our love in keeping and feeding is by taking the time to prove it hour by hour and day by day. Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don't match. God loves us to continue. Our neighbors and families love us if we will but follow through with sustaining support and self-sharing. True love is as eternal as life itself. Who is to say the joys of eternity are not wrapped up in continuous feeding, keeping, and caring? We need not weary in well-doing when we understand God's purposes and his children.

"Undoubtedly our Heavenly Father tires of expressions of love in words only. He has made it clear through his prophets and his word that his ways are ways of commitment, and not conversation. He prefers performance over lip service. We show our true love for him in proportion to our keeping his words and the processes of feeding."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Love Takes Time," General Conference October 1975
Click here to read the full talk

This is a beautiful summary of an eternally-important principle and doctrine: love, both as we interact with one another and as we interact with God, is not a passive declaration; it is a constant outward demonstration of an inward commitment. While it is important that we "at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love," it is much more important that we demonstrate that love through our actions. As Elder Ashton pointedly says, "Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don't match."

And while this principle is important as we consider our interactions with one another, it is even more crucial as we think about our relationship to our Father in Heaven. He asked for "commitment, not conversation" and "performance over lip service." The true demonstration of our love for Him is in how we obey His commandments and how we feed His sheep.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 24, 2016

President Gordon B. Hinckley on developing living, vital faith in Christ

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961, served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008 at age 97.

"When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept this basic premise, there will come an acceptance of their teachings and an obedience which will bring peace and joy in this life and exaltation in the life to come.

"Faith is not a theological platitude. It is a fact of life. Faith can become the very wellspring of purposeful living. There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, the Creator of the universe, our all-wise Heavenly Father! God expects us to do something with our lives, and he will give us help when help is sought....

"We were aboard a plane some years ago flying between Honolulu and Los Angeles. It was in the days when only propeller-driven aircraft were available. About midway in the journey one of the motors stopped. There was a decrease in speed, a lowering in altitude, and a certain amount of nervousness among those aboard. The fact of the matter was that much of the power was missing, and the hazards were increased accordingly. Without that power, we could not fly high, fast, and safely.

"It is so with our lives when we discount the need for faith and disregard knowledge of the Lord.

"Passive acceptance of the Lord is not enough. Vibrant testimony comes of anxious seeking. Strength comes of active service in the Master's cause."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding," Ensign, Aug. 1988, pp. 2-5
Click here to read the full talk

President Hinckley was the epitome of a faithful man. His faith was certainly a "living, vital force" in his life, and he speaks from the heart about the "compelling motivation" that true faith provides in life.

President Hinckley uses the analogy of a failed airplane engine to underscore his message. The point is that when the power that moves us forward is lacking, speed is decreased and hazards increase accordingly. That power comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. And the challenges of today's world require all the power we can get. We need more "anxious seeking" and "active service" to develop "vibrant testimony" and strength of faith that will carry us safely home.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
May 1, 2016

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on God's love for each of us

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Jesus did not come to improve God's view of man nearly so much as He came to improve man's view of God and to plead with them to love their Heavenly Father as He has always and will always love them. The plan of God, the power of God, the holiness of God, yes, even the anger and the judgment of God they had occasion to understand. But the love of God, the profound depth of His devotion to His children, they still did not fully know—until Christ came.

"So feeding the hungry, healing the sick, rebuking hypocrisy, pleading for faith—this was Christ showing us the way of the Father, He who is 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness' (Lectures on Faith, 42). In His life and especially in His death, Christ was declaring, 'This is God's compassion I am showing you, as well as that of my own.' In the perfect Son's manifestation of the perfect Father's care, in Their mutual suffering and shared sorrow for the sins and heartaches of the rest of us, we see ultimate meaning in the declaration: 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved' (John 3:16-17).

"I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit. I testify that amidst the wondrously complex tasks inherent in the universe, He seeks our individual happiness and safety above all other godly concerns. We are created in His very image and likeness (see Gen. 1:26-27; Moses 2:26-27), and Jesus of Nazareth, His Only Begotten Son in the flesh, came to earth as the perfect mortal manifestation of His grandeur."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Grandeur of God," General Conference October 2003
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Holland is a master of hope and encouragement. In this message, he helps us understand our relationship with God, and His enduring love for us.

The key is understanding how the Jesus' mortal experience demonstrated the "profound depth" of God's devotion to His children. Every aspect of the Savior's life showed us "the way of the Father"—"In His life and especially in His death, Christ was declaring, 'This is God's compassion I am showing you, as well as that of my own.'" What a beautiful witness.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 3, 2015

Elder Richard L. Evans on the role of our loving Father

Elder Richard L. Evans (1906-1971) served as a Seventy from 1938-1953, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He died in 1971 at age 65.  He was known as "the voice of the Tabernacle Choir" from the beginning of its broadcasts in 1929 until his passing.

"Our Father in heaven is not an umpire who is trying to count us out. He is not a competitor who is trying to outsmart us. He is not a prosecutor who is trying to convict us. He is a Loving Father who wants our happiness and eternal progress and everlasting opportunity and glorious accomplishment, and who will help us all he can if we will but give him, in our lives, the opportunity to do so with obedience and humility and faith and patience.

"God help us to live to have his help, that these things which he has in store for his children, all of whom we are, may be ours."

- Richard L. Evans, General Conference, October 1956; CR pp. 99-101

This is a classic testimony from Elder Evans, given near the conclusion of one of his talks. I love the analogies he provides, first about what Heavenly Father is NOT — a judge, adversary, competitor. We might sometimes view him in that kind of role. But the real power of the quote comes in the description of what our Father truly IS — "He is a Loving Father who wants our happiness and eternal progress and everlasting opportunity and glorious accomplishment." What a beautiful contrast to the worldly view of God!

And then the sweet conditional: God "will help us all he can if we will but give him, in our lives, the opportunity to do so with obedience and humility and faith and patience." In other words, WE have to set the stage through our actions and attitudes; then God, as an eternal, perfectly-loving Father, will step in to bless, sustain, and protect.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 23, 2015

President Boyd K. Packer on family life and eternal compensation

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"When we speak of marriage and family life, there inevitably comes to mind, 'What about the exceptions?' Some are born with limitations and cannot beget children. Some innocents have their marriage wrecked because of the infidelity of their spouse. Others do not marry and live in single worthiness.

"For now I offer this comfort: God is our Father! All the love and generosity manifest in the ideal earthly father is magnified in Him who is our Father and our God beyond the capacity of the mortal mind to comprehend. His judgments are just; His mercy without limit; His power to compensate beyond any earthly comparison. 'If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable' (1 Corinthians 15:19)."

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Plan of Happiness," General Conference April 2015
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We didn't know it at the time, of course, but President Packer's talk in the April 2015 conference would be his final public address; he passed away three months later. This segment represents part of the testimony that was his message throughout his lifetime of teachings: God is our Father, and He will love and sustain us through mortality.

Having spoken about marriage and families, President Packer acknowledged that one of the challenges of mortality is that not every individual has the ideal opportunities in this area. Not all will have happy marriages; not all will have the opportunity to raise children. But yet, when we know and trust God, we must also know and trust that "His power to compensate [is] beyond any earthly comparison."

If we can think of the most ideal example of fatherhood we know of in the earthly setting, President Packer's message is that God's role as our loving Heavenly Father is magnified beyond our comprehension.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on God's loving kindness to His children

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"I am sure you are familiar with our great hymn 'Dearest Children, God Is Near You.' Here is the first verse we all have sung and believed:

"Dearest children, God is near you,
Watching o’er you day and night,
And delights to own and bless you,
If you strive to do what’s right. (Hymns, no. 96.)

"There are two teachings in that verse: First, our Heavenly Father is near us and watches over us day and night. Think of it! God loves us, He is near to us, and He watches over us. Second, He delights to bless us as we 'strive to do what’s right.' What comfort in the midst of our anxieties and difficulties!

"Yes, young women, you are blessed and you are wonderful, but you are like all of Heavenly Father’s children in your need to 'strive to do what’s right.'"

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Parents and Children," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks addressed a good portion of his talk in the women's session of general conference to the young girls in the audience. In this excerpt he encouraged them to be faithful and trust in a loving Heavenly Father, who would in return care for them:

I have always loved the tender message of that hymn "Dearest Children, God Is Near You." It expresses a level of faith and belief that often is more common in the dear children than in the more "seasoned" adults. There is certainly much to ponder in the Savior's admonition that we must "become as little children" (Matthew 18:3) in order to receive His blessings.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on remembering God's love for each of us

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"I begin by reminding you that you are a son or daughter of a loving Father in Heaven and that His love remains constant. I know that such reassuring feelings of love are difficult to recall when you are in the midst of personal struggles or trials, disappointments, or broken dreams.

"Jesus Christ knows about fierce struggles and trials. He gave His life for us. His final hours were brutal, beyond anything we can even comprehend, but His sacrifice for each one of us was the ultimate expression of His pure love.

"No mistake, sin, or choice will change God’s love for us. That does not mean sinful conduct is condoned, nor does it remove our obligation to repent when sins are committed. But do not forget, Heavenly Father knows and loves each of you, and He is always ready to help."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Lest Thou Forget," General Conference October 2016
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's a wonderful thing in this life to occasionally have a powerful experience in which we feel God's love for us, personally and directly. Elder Rasband reminds us that His love is constant and consistent, but acknowledges how difficult it may be to feel that love when one is "in the midst of personal struggles or trials, disappointments, or broken dreams." Learning to draw upon stored memories and resources of light and love is a critical skill to develop during our mortal journey.

This is a powerful testimony of hope and encouragement. As we remember this counsel and draw upon the unending love of God for each of us, personally, we will be blessed in all times of our lives, but particularly in those more difficult ones.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Orson Pratt on God's eternal role as King

Elder Orson Pratt (1811-1881) was one of the members of the original Quorum of Twelve ordained in 1835.

"God is the King. In him exists all legal authority. He alone has the right of originating a system of government on the earth. He claims this right by virtue of his having made man and the earth he inhabits. Man, therefore, is indebted to God for his own formation and for the formation of the planet on which he dwells. He also claims the right of establishing his government among men, by virtue of his superior wisdom and power.

"If God had sufficient wisdom and power to construct such a beautiful world as this, with all the infinite varieties of vegetables and animals appended to it; if he could form such an intricate and complicated piece of machinery as the human tabernacle as a dwelling place for the human spirit, then we must admit that his wisdom and power are immeasurably greater than that of man, and hence he is qualified to reign as king.

"An order of government, established by such an all-wise, powerful being, must be good and perfect, and must be calculated to promote the permanent peace, happiness, and well-being of all his subjects.

"The great King is a very amiable being, full of benevolence and goodness, and never turns any person away empty, that comes requesting a favor which he sees would be for his benefit."

- Orson Pratt, "The Kingdom of God. Part I" (Liverpool: R. James, Printer, 1848); see "The Essential Orson Pratt" pp. 49-50
Click here to read the full article

Orson Pratt wrote many philosophical and intellectual investigations of the Gospel in the early part of this dispensation. Much of the understanding of the doctrines of the Restoration was still in its infancy, and these kinds of writings helped to expand the understanding of the early Saints as they built upon the foundation established by the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith. This particular excerpt, which I believe comes from a pamphlet written while Pratt was serving as a missionary in England, explores the theocracy of God's kingdom and what it means for God to be King.

The concluding paragraph is also very insightful: because of God's friendly and benevolent nature (a true Good King), He "never turns any person away empty, that comes requesting a favor which he sees would be for his benefit." Many can testify of the truth of that statement!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Boyd K. Packer on remembering our spiritual pedigree

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"You are a child of God. He is the father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it. However many generations in your mortal ancestry, no matter what race or people you represent, the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God!"

- Boyd K. Packer, "To Young Women and Men," General Conference April 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a simple but profound message from President Packer. "The pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line."

It is a greater blessing than we recognize to "fix that truth in your mind and hold to it." With that foundational knowledge, the changing circumstances of our lives are put in perspective and the choices we need to make have an eternal context. Our entire nature is changed as we remember, and live up to, our simple spiritual pedigree!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Quentin L. Cook on developing self-worth based on divine parentage

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"The Bible teaches that man and woman are created in the image of the Father (see Genesis 1:26–27). The science of genetics and personal observation both testify to the principle of offspring taking on the form, appearance, and traits of parents. Some build their sense of personal worth by comparing themselves to others. That approach can lead to feelings of inadequacy or superiority. It is preferable to look directly to our Father for our sense of self-worth.

"Our mortal pedigree charts show many generations winding backward through the ages. Our individual spiritual pedigree chart, however, has only two generations—our Father’s and ours. Our form is His form, without the glory. 'Now are we the sons [and daughters] of God, and ... when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2; see also D&C 130:1). Within each of us lie the latent seeds of godliness that can be given flower and fruition by His blessing and by following the path of strict obedience shown to us by Jesus. There is power in saying or singing the words 'I am a child of God.'"

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Doctrine of the Father," Ensign, February 2012, p. 33
Click here to read the full article

Our personal self-concept develops in a variety of ways as we grow up, and changes frequently through the experiences of our lives. Elder Cook warns us of the tendency to develop that sense of self-worth by comparing ourselves to others around us; that can result in a skewed and inaccurate image, for a variety of reasons:

• we evaluate others superficially, based on our brief glimpses of their public appearance
• we don't fully know the challenges and concerns of others that may not be visible to us
• we can't compare our gifts and abilities with others, since we are all granted such diverse "raw material" to work with
• we can't alter the differing circumstances into which we are born, and to some extent, the things we face in life

So the caution is to develop our sense of self-worth by understanding our divine parentage and heritage, and the eternal potential within each of us:

Once we understand the nature of our "spiritual heritage" and the divine seeds that are within us, we can focus on developing a divine sense of self-worth in the things that truly matter most.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on learning to submit to God

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Thus, the whole mortal schooling process has been so carefully structured to achieve results which could be achieved in 'no other way.' (Hel. 5:9.) We can come to know the Lord as our loving, tutoring Father and God—but not as a policeman posted at every intersection of our lives!

"Hence, our submissiveness to the Lord must be the real thing, not the equivalent of obeying the speed limit only as long as the highway patrolman is there in his pace-car. Indeed, awaiting full development is our willingness 'to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.' (Mosiah 3:19.) This is a sobering gospel truth about submissiveness! It is a wintry declaration! This truth is not likely to evoke from us an 'Oh, goodie' response!

"During our schooling in submissiveness, we will see the visible crosses some carry, but other crosses will go unseen. A few individuals may appear to have no trial at all, which, if it were so, would be a trial in itself. Indeed, if our souls had rings, as do trees, to measure the years of greatest personal growth, the wide rings would likely reflect the years of greatest moisture—but from tears, not rainfall."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Thanks Be to God," Ensign, July 1982, p. 51
Click here to read the full article

Sometimes, we are tempted to view God as Elder Maxwell warns us: a policeman standing watch, eager and alert to catch us in any misdeed or violation and punish us swiftly and appropriately. But Elder Maxwell invites us instead to view Him as "as our loving, tutoring Father and God." Having that understanding makes a very large difference in how we interact with him. King Benjamin's wonderful comparison about how a child submits to a father in receiving guidance and training is so appropriate. As we learn to recognize the loving and tutoring nature of our Heavenly Father, we begin to understand the real meeting of submissiveness and the blessings that can flow from it.

But as we ponder the tutoring nature of our mortal experience, we have to be careful about how we view our own tutoring as compared to those around us:

Sometimes we think we are the only one being "tutored with trials." Elder Maxwell points out that there are many who bear crosses we can not see. But regardless, we need to recognize that the greatest growth and progress can come in the times when the difficulty seems the most painful and hard to bear. The call to be "as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (Mosiah 3:19) is never more crucial than in those precious moments.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Richard G. Scott on the supernal blessing of prayer

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, 'Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private' (D&C 19:28).

"It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer."

- Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007, p. 8
Click here to read or listen to the full article

Elder Scott reminds us that our Heavenly Father doesn't just invite us to pray to Him; He commands us. But yet prayer is a "supernal gift" to us. The word "supernal" is not common in our vocabulary; it refers to something that is of exceptional or unusual quality, or of something that comes from above. As we come to comprehend that our loving Father is eager to encourage us, to guide and bless us as we turn to Him, we will understand how remarkable and unique this supernal gift truly is.

This is such a beautiful, hopeful invitation from our Father through Elder Scott. God is always available to us. He is always listening, and He will always answer. If we only remember this simple truth, how blessed we will be!

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

President Harold B. Lee on the blessing of communication with God

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"One of the most prized of all the possessions that we can have or the prized knowledge that we can possess is that the Lord hears and answers prayers—or, to put it in another way, that we learn how to talk with God.

"Praying is not just a matter of saying words, as some various churches would teach, but to recognize that God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, are living, real personalities and that through the ministry of the other member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit, we can communicate with Him, our Heavenly Father, and receive an answer to our inquiry and strength for our days."

- Harold B. Lee, Address to the Lausanne Switzerland conference, 26 Sept. 1972, Historical Department Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2.  See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, p. 53

This is an interesting question: what is the most "prized" knowledge to have or thing to possess? President Lee counts the gift of prayer high on that list. But not just going through the motions of prayer; having the knowledge that God both hears and answers, that the communication is real and alive:

He goes on to elaborate that prayer as he considers it includes understanding the nature of the Father and the Son, and that the Holy Ghost is a part of the process of facilitating that communication. In reality, we are involved with all three as we learn to communicate and "receive an answer to our inquiry and strength for our days."

Gordon B. Hinckley on developing living, vital faith in Christ

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961, served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008 at age 97.

"When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept this basic premise, there will come an acceptance of their teachings and an obedience which will bring peace and joy in this life and exaltation in the life to come.

"Faith is not a theological platitude. It is a fact of life. Faith can become the very wellspring of purposeful living. There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, the Creator of the universe, our all-wise Heavenly Father! God expects us to do something with our lives, and he will give us help when help is sought....

"We were aboard a plane some years ago flying between Honolulu and Los Angeles. It was in the days when only propeller-driven aircraft were available. About midway in the journey one of the motors stopped. There was a decrease in speed, a lowering in altitude, and a certain amount of nervousness among those aboard. The fact of the matter was that much of the power was missing, and the hazards were increased accordingly. Without that power, we could not fly high, fast, and safely.

"It is so with our lives when we discount the need for faith and disregard knowledge of the Lord.

"Passive acceptance of the Lord is not enough. Vibrant testimony comes of anxious seeking. Strength comes of active service in the Master's cause."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding," Ensign, Aug. 1988, pp. 2-5
Click here to read the full talk

President Hinckley was the epitome of a faithful man. His faith was certainly a "living, vital force" in his life, and he speaks from the heart about the "compelling motivation" that true faith provides in life.

President Hinckley uses the analogy of a failed airplane engine to underscore his message. The point is that when the power that moves us forward is lacking, speed is decreased and hazards increase accordingly. That power comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. And the challenges of today's world require all the power we can get. We need more "anxious seeking" and "active service" to develop "vibrant testimony" and strength of faith that will carry us safely home.

Marvin J. Ashton on showing real love to God and one another

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"We must at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love and the long time it takes to prove it by our actions. Real love does take time. The Great Shepherd had the same thoughts in mind when he taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; italics added) and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' (John 21:16; italics added). Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not a passing fancy. Love is not an expediency. Love is not a convenience. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' are God-given proclamations that should remind us we can often best show our love through the processes of feeding and keeping....

"Certainly the best way for us to show our love in keeping and feeding is by taking the time to prove it hour by hour and day by day. Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don't match. God loves us to continue. Our neighbors and families love us if we will but follow through with sustaining support and self-sharing. True love is as eternal as life itself. Who is to say the joys of eternity are not wrapped up in continuous feeding, keeping, and caring? We need not weary in well-doing when we understand God's purposes and his children.

"Undoubtedly our Heavenly Father tires of expressions of love in words only. He has made it clear through his prophets and his word that his ways are ways of commitment, and not conversation. He prefers performance over lip service. We show our true love for him in proportion to our keeping his words and the processes of feeding."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Love Takes Time," Ensign, Nov. 1975, pp. 108-110
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This is a beautiful summary of an eternally-important principle and doctrine: love, both as we interact with one another and as we interact with God, is not a passive declaration; it is a constant outward demonstration of an inward commitment. While it is important that we "at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love," it is much more important that we demonstrate that love through our actions. As Elder Ashton pointedly says, "Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don't match."

And while this principle is important as we consider our interactions with one another, it is even more crucial as we think about our relationship to our Father in Heaven. He asked for "commitment, not conversation" and "performance over lip service." The true demonstration of our love for Him is in how we obey His commandments and how we feed His sheep.

D. Todd Christofferson on the crucial role of fathers

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"As a Church, we believe in fathers. We believe in 'the ideal of the man who puts his family first' (Blankenhorn, Fatherless America, 5). We believe that 'by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families' ('The Family: A Proclamation to the World,' Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129). We believe that in their complementary family duties, 'fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners' (ibid.). We believe that far from being superfluous, fathers are unique and irreplaceable....

"The perfect, divine expression of fatherhood is our Heavenly Father. His character and attributes include abundant goodness and perfect love. His work and glory are the development, happiness, and eternal life of His children (see Moses 1:39), Fathers in this fallen world can claim nothing comparable to the Majesty on High, but at their best, they are striving to emulate Him, and they indeed labor in His work. They are honored with a remarkable and sobering trust.

"For men, fatherhood exposes us to our own weaknesses and our need to improve. Fatherhood requires sacrifice, but it is a source of incomparable satisfaction, even joy. Again, the ultimate model is our Heavenly Father, who so loved us, His spirit children, that He gave us His Only Begotten Son for our salvation and exaltation (see John 3:16). ...

"Perhaps the most essential of a father’s work is to turn the hearts of his children to their Heavenly Father. If by his example as well as his words a father can demonstrate what fidelity to God looks like in day-to-day living, that father will have given his children the key to peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come. (See D&C 59:23; Moses 6:59.) A father who reads scripture to and with his children acquaints them with the voice of the Lord. (See D&C 18:34–36.)"

- D. Todd Christofferson, “Fathers,” General Conference, April 2016, Sunday morning session
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Elder Christofferson's message to fathers declared the Church's doctrine and position on fathers clearly, in the midst of a time when too many man are forgetting their God-given duty or neglecting to be the kind of leader and role model in the home that the Lord invites them to be. That fathers are considered "superfluous" in homes and families is a tragic and dangerous path; instead, they should be considered "unique and irreplaceable."

I love the encouragement to look to Heavenly Father for the example of perfect fatherhood. There is much we men could learn from that kind of reflection. As they attempt to follow and emulate the divine example, fathers on this earth truly are "honored with a remarkable and sobering trust."

I especially appreciated this encouragement to provide the kind of spiritual leadership in the home that would make a powerful difference in ways we can only begin to glimpse: