President George Q. Cannon on preparation for conference meetings

President George Q. Cannon (1827-1901) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1860. He served as counselor in the First Presidency to Brigham Young beginning in 1873, and then to the next three presidents, until his death in 1901.

"I should enter that assembly with my mind entirely free from all influence that would prevent the operation of the Spirit of God upon me. I should go in a prayerful spirit, asking God to write upon my heart His will; not with my own will already prepared, and determined to carry out my will... regardless of everyone else's views.

"If I were to go, and all the rest were to go, with this spirit, then the Spirit of God would be felt in our midst, and that which we would decide upon would be the mind and will of God, because God would reveal it to us. We would see light in the direction where we should go, and we would behold darkness in the direction we should not go."

- George Q. Cannon, "Seeking the Pure Love of Christ," Deseret Semi-Weekly News, 30 Sept. 1890, p. 2; see Stuy, Collected Discourses, 2:90-91

President Cannon reminds us of the difference that can occur when we come to meetings with the right mental and spiritual preparation. One of the great challenges is to have our "mind entirely free" from the external and distracting influences. The second reminder is to come with a humble and prayerful spirit, demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

One of the interesting insights of the quote is President Cannon's belief about the blessings that could come to us, individually and collectively, as we approach our meetings in this spirit—feeling greater influence of the Lord's spirit and receiving the guidance and inspiration that would bless our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 4, 2018

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on personal revelation during 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.

"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."

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

I love the spirit that accompanies General Conference. It's wonderful to anticipate the coming weekend of instruction. President Uchtdorf provides an encouraging perspective on the meetings, and our preparation for them.

So we prepare by pondering and anticipating. Answers to our questions may come directly in the words of the speakers, or indirectly as a prompting arises from the setting. But so much depends on our preparation! If we are "filled with gratitude for the blessings of life" and with "an earnest desire to hear and follow" the counsel we receive, then personal revelation is sure to come.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 28, 2015; 9/28/20

Elder Boyd K. Packer on following inspired leaders and preparing for conference

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.

"In closing, I say again, FOLLOW THE BRETHREN. In a few days there opens another general conference of the Church. The servants of the Lord will counsel us. You may listen with anxious ears and hearts, or you may turn that counsel aside. As in these devotionals, what you shall gain will depend not so much upon their preparation of the messages as upon your preparation for them....

"On one occasion [Karl G. Maesar] was leading a party of young missionaries across the Alps. As they slowly ascended the steep slope, he looked back and saw a row of sticks thrust into the glacial snow to mark the one safe path across the otherwise treacherous mountains.

"Something about those sticks impressed him, and halting the company of missionaries he gestured toward them and said, 'Brethren, there stands the priesthood. They are just common sticks like the rest of us—some of them may even seem to be a little crooked, but the position they hold makes them what they are. If we step aside from the path they mark, we are lost.'

"I bear witness, my brethren and sisters, fellow students, that in this Church men are as they indeed must be—called of God by prophecy. May we learn in our youth this lesson; it will see us faithful through all of the challenges of our lives. May we learn to follow the brethren."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Follow the Brethren," BYU Devotional, March 23, 1965
Click here to listen to the full talk

This is one of the classic messages offered by President Packer, then a young apostle, during a BYU devotional. He points out how critical our personal attitude is, as we prepare for and listen to general conference addresses — generally we are listening either "with anxious ears and hearts" or casually ignoring the counsel. But how do we obtain the most benefit from the messages?

The example from Karl G. Maesar's story is another classic analogy President Packer used. Priesthood leaders may be "common sticks" but their position makes them a critical guide for our lives if we are willing to watch and heed. It's vital to learn that the Church leaders will help to "see us faithful through all the challenges of our lives."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 29, 2015

President Russell M. Nelson on becoming the right person

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become—the person who God wants you to be. The day will come when your professional career will end. The career that you will have labored so hard to achieve—the work that will have supported you and your family—will one day be behind you.

"Then you will have learned this great lesson: much more important than what you do for a living is what kind of person you become. When you leave this frail existence, what you have become will matter most. Attributes such as 'faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence' (D&C 4:6) will all be weighed in the Lord's balance.

"From time to time, ask yourself these questions: 'Am I ready to meet my Maker?' 'Am I worthy of all the blessings He has in store for His faithful children?' 'Have I received my endowment and sealing ordinances of the temple?' 'Have I remained faithful to my covenants?' 'Have I qualified for the greatest of all God's blessings—the blessing of eternal life?' (see D&C 14:7)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Neither Trust in the Arm of Flesh," BYU commencement address, April 23, 2009; see Ensign, March 2010, pp. 24-25
Click here to read the full talk

We spend a lot of time and energy "striving" for various things in our lives each day. Careers and professional activities consume significant portions as we work to sustain ourselves. Sometimes we lose the perspective on what matters most, and President Nelson reminds us that it's far more important to worry about the kind of person we become than what we do for a living. "The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become—the person who God wants you to be."

He provides this practical suggestion to help evaluate our progress in the things that matter most—a short personal interview of sorts:

Those questions truly help to identify "the things that matter most." We would be wise to ponder them carefully!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 23, 2015

Elder M. Russell Ballard on spiritual safety in turbulent times

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"Admittedly we have ample reason to be deeply concerned because we see no immediate answers to the seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the human family. But regardless of this dark picture, which will ultimately get worse, we must never allow ourselves to give up hope! Moroni, having seen our day, counseled, 'Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope.' (Moro. 10:20.)

"To all who have harbored feelings of despair and an absence of hope, I offer the words of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"'Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.…

"'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not' (D&C 6:34, 36), 'even so am I in the midst of you' (D&C 6:32).

"My message to you today, my brothers and sisters, is simply this: the Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!

"But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ."

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Joy of Hope Fulfilled," General Conference October 1992
Click here to read the full talk

Every day we see a new barrage of distressing news and information about the "seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the human family" in moral, social, political, and economic aspects. And as Elder Ballard notes, there is reason to be "deeply concerned" about the state of things in our surroundings and the trends they express. However, the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ always offers hope and assurance to those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Even if "earth and hell combine against [us]", we still have the Rock of the Savior as a foundation and protection.

The key lies in understanding and following the message of the Savior. Elder Ballard's testimony is challenging but reassuring: "He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis." Do we know that instruction? Are we following it carefully?

Elder Ballard cautions us not to overreact or be "caught up in extreme preparations." The sure, quiet, steady life of the disciple is the only way to peace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
June 24, 2016

Elder Neil L. Andersen on learning to love and follow our leaders

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

"For most of us, our contact with [the prophets, seers, and revelators] comes through general conference twice each year.... it is when children are young that parents must be innovative in helping them develop good habits regarding conference participation. As our children are given opportunities to observe and learn the role of these special witnesses, they will receive a spiritual confirmation of the sacred calling of their Church leaders, and they will feel a deeper love for and interest in these leaders and their message.

"Viewing the general conference sessions with our family is not sufficient to bring a love for the prophets. On one occasion some years before my call as a General Authority, I conducted a meeting presided over by one of the Apostles. After the meeting, I asked him about his stake conference talks. 'Do you prepare something specific for each stake conference?' I asked. He replied that he generally did not, but relied upon the promptings received just prior to and during the conference. But then he added, 'But my general conference talk is very different. I will normally go through twelve to fifteen drafts to be certain that it is what the Lord would have me say.' Many times since then I have asked myself, 'If an Apostle will go through twelve to fifteen drafts, is it pleasing to the Lord if I listen to or read his message one or two times? I don't think so.'"

- Neil L. Andersen, "Teaching Our Children to Love the Prophets," Ensign, April 1996, pp. 44-47
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Andersen gives every parent of young children something to ponder. They "must be innovative in helping them develop good habits regarding conference participation." A love for Church leaders and interest in their message can be set in childhood. As parents, we should seek inspiration to find the way to do that!

Elder Andersen then instructs that it's not sufficient to just sit together and watch conference. Our effort to draw inspiration from the talks should match the spiritual efforts put into preparing the talks. That is a particularly challenging invitation!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
September 30, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on spiritual preparedness

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.

"What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?

"If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.

"We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation for the events prophesied at the time of the Second Coming. And the preparation most likely to be neglected is the one less visible and more difficult—the spiritual. A 72-hour kit of temporal supplies may prove valuable for earthly challenges, but, as the foolish virgins learned to their sorrow, a 24-hour kit of spiritual preparation is of greater and more enduring value."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparation for the Second Coming", General Conference April 2004
Click here to read the full talk

One way to focus attention on "the things that matter most" is to undertake the exercise Elder Oaks mentions: if I knew my mortal life would be over tomorrow, what would I do today? Would there be things I would want to change, to repair, to focus on, even for a single day? People to forgive, testimonies to bear? And of course, the obvious next question is, "Why not now?" We should be making earnest efforts to focus our energies in the best possible ways, regardless of how much time we have remaining.

The additional warning is that our spiritual preparation needs as much focus as our temporal preparation often receives:

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

President Russell M. Nelson on surviving trials and growing in faith

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Though today’s restrictions relate to a virulent virus, life’s personal trials stretch far beyond this pandemic. Future trials could result from an accident, a natural disaster, or an unexpected personal heartache.

"How can we endure such trials? The Lord has told us that 'if ye are prepared ye shall not fear' (D&C 38:30). Of course, we can store our own reserves of food, water, and savings. But equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony.

"Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. (See 3 Ne 27:27.) And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times. This is exactly why the Lord has implored us to stand in holy places and 'be not moved' (D&C 87:8)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Message," General Conference April 2020, Saturday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Nelson opened the April 2020 General Conference, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the First Vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by recalling that he had informed Church members six months earlier that the conference would be unique and different. But no one anticipated that part of the difference would be because of the COVID-19 pandemic that was gripping the world! There would be many challenges ahead in dealing with that situation, but President Nelson reminded Church members that those who are prepared, temporally but also spiritually, will not need to fear. The great invitation continues to be to "fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony."

Are we truly preparing for the future in the most important way, preparing to "meet our Maker" as we strive to follow the teachings and example of His Son? That would be the ongoing invitation of this conference as well, as we strive to "Hear Him" in our personal lives.

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

President Heber J. Grant on the school of mortality

President Heber J. Grant (1856-1945) was ordained an apostle in 1882 when he was 25 years old.  He served as president of the Church from 1918 until his death in 1945 at age 88.  His tenure as president lasted over 26 years; only Brigham Young had a longer term (over 29 years).

"The Lord, knowing what is best for you and for me and for every individual, has given to us laws, which, if we obey, will make us more Godlike, will fit and qualify and prepare us to go back and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father and to receive that plaudit: 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'

"That is what we are laboring for.

"We are in a school, fitting, qualifying, and preparing ourselves that we may be worthy and capable of going back and dwelling in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and the man who claims that he knows the gospel is true and then does not live it, does not keep the commandments of God. Such a man will never attain to that strength, to that power, to that eminence, and to that capacity in the Church and Kingdom of God that he would attain if he obeyed the laws of God."

- Heber J. Grant, Era, 42:713; Gospel Standards, p. 40

One of the principles of eternity is that those who choose to obey the commandments of God receive blessings. President Grant lists one of those blessings: obedience to God's laws "will make us more Godlike" and prepare us to return to His presence. Mortality is a great "proving ground" during which we are proved or tested, and during which we prove our willingness to submit and obey.

How grateful we should be for this wonderful school, that qualifies and prepares us for eternity!

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

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on preparing for future challenges

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"What about you? Do you recognize your higher and holier identity as a son of God, a bearer of His holy priesthood? With this eternal identity in mind, create your game plan and priesthood playbook that will guide you during times of temptation and adversity. Consider both offensive and defensive strategies.

"Offensive strategies help strengthen testimonies and increase resolve to stay on the strait and narrow path. Examples include regular prayer, scripture study, church and temple attendance, paying tithing, and following the counsel found in the For the Strength of Youth booklet.

"Defensive strategies include planning ahead how you will face temptation. When tempted to compromise your personal standards, you know beforehand what you will do.

"You need a playbook for that.

"Don’t feel like praying today? Time to execute the play you already game-planned.

"Do you feel your testimony waning? You have a play for that. You know what to do."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Your Priesthood Playbook," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Stevenson addressed his remarks to the young men of the Church, encouraging them to anticipate challenges ahead in their lives and prepare to confront them. These are principles that all of us, at any age, should consider.

Every one of us has a sacred identity as a child of God, and should do all in our power to live up to that inheritance! I particularly appreciate the idea of "offensive strategies," ways to build strength and prepare in advance by increasing faith and testimony; and "defensive strategies" that help us anticipate ways we might confront challenges and temptations.

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on preparing now for the Second Coming of the Lord

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

"The Holy Spirit affirmed two things to me. First, the work of ministering to temporal needs is vital and must continue. The second was unexpected, yet powerful and clear. It was this: beyond selfless service, it is supremely important to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"When He comes, oppression and injustice will not only diminish; they will cease....

"So yes, let us do all we can to relieve suffering and sorrow now, and let us devote ourselves more diligently to the preparations needed for the day when pain and evil are ended altogether, when 'Christ [shall] reign personally upon the earth; and … the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory' (Articles of Faith 1:10). It will be a day of redemption and judgment."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Preparing for the Lord’s Return," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Among most important things we do in this life is to learn to love and serve our neighbors, following the example and the instructions of the Savior. Paul put it succinctly and beautifully: "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Gal 6:2.) This service is a critical part of the great call to prepare for the return of the Lord to the earth.

As we serve one another with Christlike love, we will do much to "relieve suffering and sorrow" around us. Then we can continue with the sacred preparations for the day when all pain and evil will be swept away. Each of us can contribute to that eternally-critical preparation.

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

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on developing a personal playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Great coaches know the strengths and weaknesses of their team as well as those of the opposition. They create a game plan that will give them the best chance for victory. What about you?

"You know what temptations you are most vulnerable to, and you can predict how the adversary will try to derail and dishearten you. Have you created a personal game plan and playbook so that you will know how to respond when faced with opposition?

"As you confront various moral temptations—whether in the company of others or when you are alone staring at a screen—you know your game plan. If a friend suggests you drink alcohol or try drugs, you know the play. You have practiced and know how to react in advance.

"With a game plan, a playbook, and a firm commitment to execute your role, you will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time you are confronted with temptation."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Your Priesthood Playbook," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Stevenson used a familiar analogy to teach a concept that has been shared in a number of ways: the importance of establishing, in advance, how we will react to challenging situations, even practicing the reaction, and committing to that plan when the challenge arises. The idea of having a "game plan" for life, with a specific "play book" describing the actions and scenarios, will ring true to many youth and to adults as well. The more explicit and detailed we are able to anticipate in those scenarios and our response, the more successful we will be in carrying out our plan.

I liked the point that we each know what are greatest vulnerabilities are and where we need to focus our greatest efforts in anticipation. Those temptations will come, and the better our preparation, the more likely we will be to succeed.

Decisions and commitments made in advance have great power if our commitment to them is strong and whole-hearted. In effect, Satan is bound (D&C 45:55), since we allow him no access to our hearts.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on Satan's latter-day tactics

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (born 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.

"Brothers and sisters, we are at war with Satan for the souls of men. The battle lines were drawn in our pre-earth life. Satan and a third of our Father in Heaven’s children turned away from His promises of exaltation. Since that time, the adversary’s minions have been fighting the faithful who choose the Father’s plan.

"Satan knows his days are numbered and that time is growing shorter. As crafty and cunning as he is, he will not win. However, his battle for each one of our souls rages on.

"For our safety, we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one.

"Satan is a subtle snake, sneaking into our minds and hearts when we have let our guard down, faced a disappointment, or lost hope. He entices us with flattery, a promise of ease, comfort, or a temporary high when we are low. He justifies pride, unkindness, dishonesty, discontent, and immorality, and in time we can be 'past feeling' (1 Nephi 17:45). The Spirit can leave us. 'And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell' (2 Nephi 28:21).....

"When we build a fortress of spiritual strength, we can shun the advances of the adversary, turn our backs on him, and feel the peace of the Spirit. We can follow the example of our Lord and Savior, who, when tempted in the wilderness, said, 'Get thee behind me, Satan' (Luke 4:8). We each have to learn by the experiences of life how to do that."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's not exaggerating to describe the present conflict between good and evil in the world as "war." The struggle is real, and prophets frequently warn us that Satan's "battle for each one of our souls rages on" and remind us of our need to be prepared and strong.

Elder Rasband described an experience of his great-grandfather who, as one of the early pioneer settlers in the Heber Valley in Utah, helped build a protective wall of cottonwood logs around their homes. He likened that to the need we each have to "build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls," enabling us to better ward off the attacks of the adversary:

The description of Satan as a "subtle snake" who can "[sneak] into our minds and hearts when we have let our guard down, faced a disappointment, or lost hope" is one that we should ponder. At the times when we are most vulnerable, we need to be the most cautious and the most committed to our spiritual fortifications.

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on preparing the world for the Lord's Second Coming

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

"In two weeks, we will celebrate Easter. The Resurrection confirms the divinity of Jesus Christ and the reality of God the Father. Our thoughts turn to the Savior, and we ponder 'His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.' I hope we also think about His pending return when 'He will rule as King of Kings and … Lord of Lords.' ('The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,' Ensign, May 2017, inside front cover.) ...

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lord’s Second Coming; indeed, it was restored for that purpose....

"What can we do to prepare now for that day? We can prepare ourselves as a people; we can gather the Lord’s covenant people; and we can help redeem the promise of salvation 'made to the fathers,' our ancestors. (D&C 2:2) All of this must occur in some substantial measure before the Lord comes again."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Preparing for the Lord’s Return," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In anticipation of the Easter weekend, when our thoughts are drawn to the Savior and His divine act of love and sacrifice on our behalf, Elder Christofferson spoke eloquently of the powerful feelings of anticipation we should feel of the Lord's return to earth. Members of His restored Church in the latter days have a profound responsibility to help in the preparation for that event. Elder Christofferson suggested things we can do now to help prepare:

To "prepare now as a people" includes the aspects of reaching out to one another in love, helping to strengthen and bless as we minister to one another. Through missionary service we assist in gathering others into the fold; and through efforts in family history and temple service we help to redeem our ancestors. These "three-fold" actions are not new, but our resolve to do better can be renewed!

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

President Henry B. Eyring on the blessing of general conference

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"Gathered in this meeting, which stretches across the world, are millions of disciples of Jesus Christ who are under covenant to always remember Him and serve Him. By the miracle of modern technology, the separation of time and of vast distances vanishes. We meet as if we are all together in one great hall.

"But even more important than our gathering together is in whose name we do so. The Lord promised that even with the great number of His disciples on the earth today, He would be close to each of us. He said to His little band of disciples in 1829, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, … where two or three are gathered together in my name, … behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you' (D&C 6:32).

"Now numbering more than one or two, a multitude of His disciples are gathered in this conference, and as promised, the Lord is in our midst. Because He is a resurrected and glorified being, He is not physically everyplace where Saints gather. But, by the power of the Spirit, we can feel that He is here with us today....

"Today my message to us all is that there will be a precious opportunity in the next few days to choose to have our hearts softened and to receive and nourish the seed. The seed is the word of God, and it will be poured out on all of us who listen, watch, and read the proceedings of this conference. The music, the talks, and the testimonies have been prepared by servants of God who have sought diligently for the Holy Ghost to guide them in their preparation. They have prayed longer and more humbly as the days of the conference have approached.

"They have prayed to have the power to encourage you to make the choices that will create in your heart a more fertile ground for the good word of God to grow and be fruitful. If you listen with the Spirit, you will find your heart softened, your faith strengthened, and your capacity to love the Lord increased.

"Your choice to pray with full purpose of heart will transform your experience in the conference sessions and in the days and months that follow."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Where Two or Three Are Gathered," General Conference April 2016
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Eyring shared these thoughts as the first speaker in the opening session of the April 2016 conference. It was an invitation to those participating to "feast" together and receive the blessings of the upcoming sessions. One of the most beautiful promises the Lord has given us is that He will be present when we gather in His name. Our invitation, then, is to have hearts that are prepared, minds that are open, and a willingness to listen and to be taught, both from the speakers and from "on high."

"The music, the talks, and the testimonies" were all prepared by humble servants striving to act under the direction of the Holy Spirit. If they are received in that same spirit, they will result in profound blessings. We must begin our preparation by praying "with full purpose of heart" to receive the blessings; then, as the teachings enter our soul, they will be able to "transform your experience in the conference sessions and in the days and months that follow."

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

President Lorenzo Snow on preparing for general conference

Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) was an early convert to the Church along with his sister Eliza R. Snow. He was called as an apostle by Brigham Young in 1849. He served as the 5th president of the Church from 1898 until his death in 1901.

"I suppose that many of the audience now before me have come from a long distance to meet with us in this general conference; and that all have been moved to gather here by pure motives—by a desire to improve and perfect themselves in matters that pertain to their usefulness in the kingdom of God. In order that we may not be disappointed in this, it becomes necessary that we prepare our hearts to receive and profit by the suggestions that may be made by the speakers during the progress of the Conference, which may be prompted by the Spirit of the Lord. I have thought, and still think, that our being edified does not so much depend upon the speaker as upon ourselves."

- Lorenzo Snow, 6 October 1898, Conference Report p. 1

President Lorenzo Snow had been president of the Church for less than a month when he offered this counsel. He was 84 years old, and would lead the Church for the next 3 years.

We are blessed in our day to have general conference available to us, in most cases, with very little effort and sacrifice. The need to "come from a long distance" to participate and receive instruction has long passed. With Internet streaming available, anyone with a device and a reliable connection can participate live in scores of languages.

But one thing has not changed, and can't be fixed by technology. The benefit from general conference requires "a desire to improve and perfect" ourselves as we listen in humility and and eagerness to be taught.

And so the burden is on each of us, to "prepare our hearts" in anticipation of an upcoming conference in order that we may be blessed by inspired messages that will speak to our minds and hearts.

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

Elder Gerrit W. Gong on shaping our future through today's decisions

Elder Gerrit W. Gong (born December 23, 1953) was called as a Seventy in April 2010, then to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2015. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in April 2018.

"In 2018 we are delighted to learn from our own decisions. We are learning that the battle to get up in the morning is won or lost the night before. We are learning that personal and roommate prayers, having some meals together, putting a copy of the Ensign in a visible place, going to the holy ­temple—and all other regular holy habits—change our hearts and our living environments.

"Attending BYU devotionals and forums is a decision not to let school get in the way of education. Serving in our ward helps us learn from those around us and from the Holy Ghost how to love God and minister. Coincidentally, in such sociality, because we are learning to see others through spiritual eyes (see 1 Samuel 16:7), we make wonderful friends and, in some cases, find our eternal companion.

"On occasion, our Heavenly Father helps us understand how time and eternity can come together in futures we cannot see. In our hearts and minds, the Holy Ghost tells us things we need to but would not otherwise know. (See D&C 8:2; Alma 26:22; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11.) In inspiring, protecting, and guiding us, the Holy Ghost fulfills the promise that 'all things work together for good to them that love God' (Romans 8:28; see also D&C 90:24; 98:3; 105:40).

"In 2018 we began discovering we wanted not only to live a balanced life but also to strive for a consecrated, sacramental life. Of course we must be wise and not 'run faster than [we have] strength' (Mosiah 4:27). And sometimes we must 'be still and know that [God is] God' (D&C 101:16). But with planning, increasing capacity, and consecrated effort, we are discovering something miraculous. This world is not simply one of finite sticks and stones. In the Lord’s times and seasons, this world can also be one of limitless loaves and fishes. (See Matthew 14:15–21; 15:32–38.)

"In a loaves and fishes world, faith, compassion, and blessings are unlimited. So are God’s grace and capacity to embrace, magnify, and heal, just as our patriarchal blessings promise. When we sacrifice and consecrate our relatively meager offering of a few loaves and fishes, the Lord can take what we give and greatly magnify it to bless others."

- Gerrit W. Gong, "We Seek After These Things," BYU devotional, Oct. 16, 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Gong was employed in BYU's administrative department for many years before being called as a general authority, so it must be especially enjoyable to him to return and address the students on campus. In this address shared a earlier this year, he talked to them about what they might be thinking in the year 2040 as they look back on the year 2018. The point was that their state or condition in the future will depend on the decisions they make now.

It's an interesting exercise, and I appreciated some of the suggestions and lessons Elder Gong mentioned. Critical things that we should be learning now in anticipation of the future:

• Consequences of our individual decisions
• The importance of " regular holy habits"—doing the basic things that change our heart
• Growing through committed learning and service to others
• Appreciating the individuals around us
• Growing in communication with the Holy Ghost
• Living an increasingly "consecrated, sacramental life"
• Recognizing God's blessings in our life

Learning to recognize how God multiplies blessings in this "loaves and fishes world" is a part of our spiritual development. As we make our "relatively meager" contribution, He will "greatly magnify" our portion, not just for our personal benefit, but so that we have much to give to others.

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