President Gordon B. Hinckley on getting the most from general conference

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

“I hope that we shall ponder with subdued feelings the talks to which we have listened. I hope that we will quietly reflect on the wonderful things we have heard. I hope that we will feel a little more contrite and humble.

“All of us have been edified. The test will come in the application of the teachings given. If, hereafter, we are a little more kind, if we are a little more neighborly, if we have drawn nearer to the Savior, with a more firm resolution to follow His teachings and His example, then this conference will have been a wonderful success. If, on the other hand, there is no improvement in our lives, then those who have spoken will have in large measure failed.

“Those changes may not be measurable in a day or a week or a month. Resolutions are quickly made and quickly forgotten. But, in a year from now, if we are doing better than we have done in the past, then the efforts of these days will not have been in vain.

“We will not remember all that has been said, but there will arise from all of this a spiritual uplift. It may be undefinable, but it will be real....

"And perhaps out of all we have heard, there may be a phrase or a paragraph that will stand out and possess our attention. If this occurs, I hope we will write it down and reflect on it until we savor the depth of its meaning and have made it a part of our own lives.

“In our family home evenings I hope we will discuss with our children these things and let them taste the sweetness of the truths we have enjoyed. And when the Ensign magazine comes out... with all of the conference messages, please don’t just throw it aside with the comment that you have heard it all, but read and ponder the various messages. You will find many things that you missed when you listened to the speakers....

“Tomorrow morning we will be back at our jobs, back to our studies, back to whatever constitutes the busy regimen of our lives. But we can have the memories of this great occasion to sustain us.”

- Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Humble and a Contrite Heart,” General Conference, October 2000
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Hinckley's comments and advice were always so practical and down-to-earth. I think this reflection on general conference and its impact is a wonderful example of that. He begins by encouraging us to "ponder with subdued feelings" and "quietly reflect" on the messages. We certainly would be blessed to do more of that.

But the next paragraph is more pointed: the conference only really matters if it makes some kind of difference in our lives, our actions, our behavior:

And then some more very practical counsel. We aren't going to remember everything from the messages. But we should look for short thoughts or even phrases that stick out, and cling to them. Perhaps that is exactly the message the Lord wants to get through to us. When we make that concept a part of our life, then we will be blessed.

In addition, we should know that much good will come as we read, ponder, and discuss the messages. "You will find many things that you missed when you listened to the speakers." That's a true promise!

The impact of a general conference is only as powerful as we allow it to be. Implementing these suggestions will certainly enhance the experience.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 2, 2017; 9/30/20

President Boyd K. Packer on the gentle voice of the Spirit

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 in 2015 at age 90.

"The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither 'loud' nor 'harsh.' It is 'not a voice of thunder, neither... voice of a great tumultuous noise.' But rather, 'a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,' and it can 'pierce even to the very soul' and 'cause [the heart] to burn.' (3 Ne. 11:3; Hel. 5:30; D&C 85:6-7.) Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a 'still small voice.' (1 Kgs. 19:12.) 

"The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all.... 

"Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, 'Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.' (1 Sam. 3:10.)" 

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Candle of the Lord," talk given at a seminar for new mission presidents, 25 June 1982; see Ensign, January 1983, pp. 51-56
Click here to read the full talk

This is a wonderful description and great warning to us. We live in a very noisy world. with many distractions competing for our attention at all hours. We have devices that play music, that broadcast news or commentary, that bring information in a variety of forms.  Many of these have merit and can be used in very beneficial ways; but they also bring the danger of overuse. It takes real effort for us to find a way to quiet our surroundings and just listen.

Certainly this applies to our more formal times of prayer, when we communicate with Heavenly Father. We need to be sure that our efforts to address Him are also accompanied by time to listen. But it also applies to our general activities, when perhaps the Holy Ghost might have warnings or promptings to share:

And note the caution is not just about external noise, but also about us being "preoccupied" with things that might prevent us from listening.

And it's important to remember that listening is an active, deliberate action, not just a passive one. It's more than just cutting out noise and distractions; we have to actively seek and listen!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 9, 2015

President Boyd K. Packer on the gentle voice of the Spirit

President Boyd K. Packer (1924- ) 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 currently serves as the president of that Quorum.

"The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither 'loud' nor 'harsh.' It is 'not a voice of thunder, neither... voice of a great tumultuous noise.' But rather, 'a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,' and it can 'pierce even to the very soul' and 'cause [the heart] to burn.' (3 Ne. 11:3; Hel. 5:30; D&C 85:6-7.) Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a 'still small voice.' (1 Kgs. 19:12.) 

"The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all.... 

"Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, 'Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.' (1 Sam. 3:10.)" 

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Candle of the Lord," talk given at a seminar for new mission presidents, 25 June 1982; see Ensign, January 1983, pp. 51-56
Click here to read the full talk

This is a wonderful description and great warning to us. We live in a very noisy world. with many distractions competing for our attention at all hours. We have devices that play music, that broadcast news or commentary, that bring information in a variety of forms.  Many of these have merit and can be used in very beneficial ways; but they also bring the danger of overuse. It takes real effort for us to find a way to quiet our surroundings and just listen.

Certainly this applies to our more formal times of prayer, when we communicate with Heavenly Father. We need to be sure that our efforts to address Him are also accompanied by time to listen. But it also applies to our general activities, when perhaps the Holy Ghost might have warnings or promptings to share:

And note the caution is not just about external noise, but also about us being "preoccupied" with things that might prevent us from listening.

And it's important to remember that listening is an active, deliberate action, not just a passive one. It's more than just cutting out noise and distractions; we have to actively seek and listen!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 9, 2015

Elder Neil L. Andersen on the ways we Hear Him

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"Along with the peaceful direction we receive from the Holy Ghost, from time to time, God powerfully and very personally assures each of us that He knows us and loves us and that He is blessing us specifically and openly. Then, in our moments of difficulty, the Savior brings these experiences back into our mind....

"We have recently heard President Russell M. Nelson say: 'I invite you to think deeply and often about this key question: How do you hear Him? I also invite you to take steps to hear Him better and more often.' He repeated that invitation this morning.

"We hear Him in our prayers, in our homes, in the scriptures, in our hymns, as we worthily partake of the sacrament, as we declare our faith, as we serve others, and as we attend the temple with fellow believers. Spiritually defining moments come as we prayerfully listen to general conference and as we better keep the commandments....

"We can 'hear Him' because of the blessing of the Savior’s incomparable Atonement."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Spiritually Defining Memories," General Conference April 2020, Saturday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

One of the beautiful promises the Savior gave to his ancient disciples related to the blessing of the Comforter in their lives:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

Elder Andersen discussed that sacred blessing of having things brought to our remembrance by the Savior. He also encouraged us to open our minds to hearing and feeling the power of the Lord in our lives:

How do we "hear Him"? As we seek actively to increase those experiences in our lives, we will recognize and experience a greater measure of His love.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Neil L. Andersen on following prophets in faith

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"Should we really be surprised when the Lord’s prophets declare His will and, for some, questions remain? Of course, some reject the voice of the prophets immediately, but others prayerfully ponder their honest questions—questions that will be settled with patience and an eye of faith. If the proclamation had been revealed in a different century, there would still have been questions, just different questions than those of today. One purpose of prophets is to help us in resolving sincere questions.

"Prior to being the President of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson said: 'Prophets see ahead. They see the harrowing dangers the adversary has placed or will yet place in our path. Prophets also foresee the grand possibilities and privileges awaiting those who listen with the intent to obey.' (Russell M. Nelson, 'Stand as True Millennials,' Ensign, Oct. 2016, 31)

"I testify to the truth and spiritual power of the united voice of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve."

- Neil L. Andersen, "The Eye of Faith," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Andersen spoke of the challenges we face in modern times as we consider complex issues in society, as they relate to the counsel and instruction that comes from prophets. Sometimes there are questions and struggles as we interpret that counsel and strive to apply it to our situation. He reassured us that those questions are not inappropriate:

The key is always to "prayerfully ponder [our] honest questions" and know that answers and reassurance will come through "patience and an eye of faith." We must learn to trust in the Lord and His timetable. As we proceed with confidence based on what we do know, uncertainty about things we do not know will be resolved. We should "listen with the intent to obey" and we will be blessed.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the blessing of repetition

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"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."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing," Ensign, September 2011, p. 2
Click here to read the full article

I have personally been paying attention to general conference since my early teenage years, so that's about 50 years, twice a year. With 100 sessions of general conference, and typically about 6 talks per session, that's a LOT of talks, and a lot of chances for themes, topics, stories, scriptures, and applications to be repeated or reused! President Uchtdorf reminded us that there is nothing wrong about repetitive themes or talks; we should expect them, and recognize in them the blessing of being reminded, of having testimonies confirmed.

If we recognize repeated themes as "foundational principles of great eternal importance," we should be eager to focus on them and seek for blessings that come from pondering and applying the teachings. We will always be blessed to re-strengthen foundations as we continue to build upon them!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Robert D. Hales on receiving personalized messages from general conference

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"In conferences we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us. One member testified: 'As I listened to your address, I was astounded. … Your talk was personal revelation directly from the Lord to my family. I have never experienced such a strong manifestation of the Spirit in my life as those minutes when the Holy Ghost spoke directly to me.'

"Another said, 'I have never before felt so profoundly that a talk was being given to me.'

"This is possible because the Holy Ghost carries the word of the Lord unto our hearts in terms we can understand. (See 2 Nephi 33:1.) When I take notes at conference, I do not always write down exactly what the speaker is saying; I note the personalized direction the Spirit is giving me.

"What is said is not as important as what we hear and what we feel. That is why we make an effort to experience conference in a setting where the still, small voice of the Spirit can be clearly heard, felt, and understood.

"Oh, how we need general conference! Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened. And when we are converted, we strengthen each other to stand strong amid the fiery darts of these last days. (See Luke 22:31–32.)"

- Robert D. Hales, "Strengthening Faith and Testimony," General Conference October 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we "receive the word of the Lord meant just for us" as we participate in general conference? Elder Hales suggests that is one of the great blessings available, as we allow the Holy Ghost to communicate to our spirit. The conference provides the venue or setting to encourage that personal inspiration. So much depends on how we listen:

Truly, "What is said is not as important as what we hear and what we feel." Participating in conference can deepen our testimonies and fortify our faith in ways that will greatly bless us as we confront the adversary in our time.

Of course, the picture presents a somewhat idealistic image of a family doing this. When younger children are involved, it's more difficult to establish that kind of setting. We do the best we can, and then we take advantage of future opportunities to participate in conference "after the fact" as we personally study and review the messages under the more ideal conditions.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on the "personal prophetic epistles" of general conference

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.

"Perhaps you already know (but if you don’t you should) that with rare exception, no man or woman who speaks here [in general conference] is assigned a topic. Each is to fast and pray, study and seek, start and stop and start again until he or she is confident that for this conference, at this time, his or hers is the topic the Lord wishes that speaker to present regardless of personal wishes or private preferences. Every man and woman you have heard during the past 10 hours of general conference has tried to be true to that prompting. Each has wept, worried, and earnestly sought the Lord’s direction to guide his or her thoughts and expression. And just as Brigham Young saw an angel standing over this place, so do I see angels standing in it. My brethren and sisters among the general officers of the Church will be uneasy with that description, but that is how I see them—mortal messengers with angelic messages, men and women who have all the physical and financial and family difficulties you and I have but who with faith have consecrated their lives to the callings that have come to them and the duty to preach God’s word, not their own....

"In wanting to measure up to the stern as well as embrace the soothing in our general conference messages, please be reassured that when we speak on difficult subjects, we understand not everyone is viewing pornography or shirking marriage or having illicit sexual relationships. We know not everyone is violating the Sabbath or bearing false witness or abusing a spouse. We know that most in our audience are not guilty of such things, but we are under a solemn charge to issue warning calls to those who are—wherever they may be in the world. So if you are trying to do the best you can—if, for example, you keep trying to hold family home evening in spite of the bedlam that sometimes reigns in a houseful of little bedlamites—then give yourself high marks and, when we come to that subject, listen for another which addresses a topic where you may be lacking. If we teach by the Spirit and you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you.

"Brothers and sisters, in general conference we offer our testimonies in conjunction with other testimonies that will come, because one way or another God will have His voice heard. 'I sent you out to testify and warn the people,' the Lord has said to His prophets. (D&C 88:81)"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "An Ensign to the Nations," General Conference April 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I appreciated Elder Holland's personal insights into the process of preparation for the speakers at general conference. I would assume the responsibility of delivering counsel to millions of listeners must weigh heavily on them, no matter how many times they have done it. But we are all grateful that divine help is always available! That must be a particular challenge when one of the speakers feels impressed to address one of those challenging issues that may confront only a small subset of the listening audience—but for that small group, the message is eternally critical.

This, however, is a great key:

The promise is that ultimately, there is something for each of us in the messages of conference. If we are open, humble, and seeking, we will find our own "personal prophetic epistle" and be truly blessed by heaven's inspiration.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on hearing the Lord's voice in general conference

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"On long-range flights, the shortwave radio frequencies are often crowded and static distorts the messages. The same is true for our lives. Everybody wants to get their message across. We have to train and condition ourselves to hear the still, small voice, never to be distracted or stop listening because of too much static on that sacred frequency. This can best be done by internalizing and acting according to the moral and ethical standards we receive from the scriptures and the living prophets.

"From the Prophet Joseph Smith to President Howard W. Hunter [and today to President Russell M. Nelson], we are receiving updated sacred guidance according to our needs and readiness. The general conference messages by our prophets, seers, and revelators are given to us by the Lord in his own time, in his own way, and for a very special purpose."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Only True And Valid Basis," General Conference, October 1994
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This address, the first conference talk given by Elder Uchtdorf when was a newly-called Seventy in the church leadership, underscores his testimony and loyalty to the Lord's chosen prophets. It was our first chance to hear him give a lesson based on an aviation analogy. His counsel was to learn to "filter" the many messages that are jamming our "listening frequencies" so that we can identify the ones that truly matter most. We can learn to distinguish and choose appropriately as we follow the previous counsel given to us in scriptures and prophetic teachings.

General Conference is a time to fine-tune our listening abilities in order to receive instruction from the Lord that will bless our lives each day. What a sacred opportunity to listen to those "prophets, seers, and revelators"!

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

President Gordon B. Hinckley on getting the most from general conference

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

“I hope that we shall ponder with subdued feelings the talks to which we have listened. I hope that we will quietly reflect on the wonderful things we have heard. I hope that we will feel a little more contrite and humble.

“All of us have been edified. The test will come in the application of the teachings given. If, hereafter, we are a little more kind, if we are a little more neighborly, if we have drawn nearer to the Savior, with a more firm resolution to follow His teachings and His example, then this conference will have been a wonderful success. If, on the other hand, there is no improvement in our lives, then those who have spoken will have in large measure failed.

“Those changes may not be measurable in a day or a week or a month. Resolutions are quickly made and quickly forgotten. But, in a year from now, if we are doing better than we have done in the past, then the efforts of these days will not have been in vain.

“We will not remember all that has been said, but there will arise from all of this a spiritual uplift. It may be undefinable, but it will be real....

"And perhaps out of all we have heard, there may be a phrase or a paragraph that will stand out and possess our attention. If this occurs, I hope we will write it down and reflect on it until we savor the depth of its meaning and have made it a part of our own lives.

“In our family home evenings I hope we will discuss with our children these things and let them taste the sweetness of the truths we have enjoyed. And when the Ensign magazine comes out... with all of the conference messages, please don’t just throw it aside with the comment that you have heard it all, but read and ponder the various messages. You will find many things that you missed when you listened to the speakers....

“Tomorrow morning we will be back at our jobs, back to our studies, back to whatever constitutes the busy regimen of our lives. But we can have the memories of this great occasion to sustain us.”

- Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Humble and a Contrite Heart,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 88–89
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Hinckley's comments and advice were always so practical and down-to-earth. I think this reflection on general conference and its impact is a wonderful example of that. He begins by encouraging us to "ponder with subdued feelings" and "quietly reflect" on the messages. We certainly would be blessed to do more of that.

But the next paragraph is more pointed: the conference only really matters if it makes some kind of difference in our lives, our actions, our behavior:

And then some more very practical counsel. We aren't going to remember everything from the messages. But we should look for short thoughts or even phrases that stick out, and cling to them. Perhaps that is exactly the message the Lord wants to get through to us. When we make that concept a part of our life, then we will be blessed.

In addition, we should know that much good will come as we read, ponder, and discuss the messages. "You will find many things that you missed when you listened to the speakers." That's a true promise!

The impact of a general conference is only as powerful as we allow it to be. Implementing these suggestions will certainly enhance the experience.

Boyd K. Packer on the gentle voice of the Spirit

President Boyd K. Packer (1924- ) 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 currently serves as the president of that Quorum.

"The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither 'loud' nor 'harsh.' It is 'not a voice of thunder, neither... voice of a great tumultuous noise.' But rather, 'a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,' and it can 'pierce even to the very soul' and 'cause [the heart] to burn.' (3 Ne. 11:3; Hel. 5:30; D&C 85:6-7.) Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a 'still small voice.' (1 Kgs. 19:12.) 

"The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all.... 

"Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, 'Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.' (1 Sam. 3:10.)" 

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Candle of the Lord," talk given at a seminar for new mission presidents, 25 June 1982; see Ensign, January 1983, pp. 51-56
Click here to read the full talk

This is a wonderful description and great warning to us. We live in a very noisy world. with many distractions competing for our attention at all hours. We have devices that play music, that broadcast news or commentary, that bring information in a variety of forms.  Many of these have merit and can be used in very beneficial ways; but they also bring the danger of overuse. It takes real effort for us to find a way to quiet our surroundings and just listen.

Certainly this applies to our more formal times of prayer, when we communicate with Heavenly Father. We need to be sure that our efforts to address Him are also accompanied by time to listen. But it also applies to our general activities, when perhaps the Holy Ghost might have warnings or promptings to share:

And note the caution is not just about external noise, but also about us being "preoccupied" with things that might prevent us from listening.

And it's important to remember that listening is an active, deliberate action, not just a passive one. It's more than just cutting out noise and distractions; we have to actively seek and listen!