Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are anxiously looking forward to the 188th Semiannual General Conference this weekend. All members of the Church are invited to participate by watching or listening at home, their ward buildings or attending the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
19-year-old Karina Johnson said, “I like listening to the announcements and the changes that come. I like listening to the 12 Apostles, too. And, I read my scriptures to help me prepare.”
At her young women’s activity on Tuesday night, Julia Johnson, 13 years, compiled a booklet so she can write down thoughts and impressions as each of the speakers give their talks.
The First Presidency will speak along with members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other general officers of the Church will share messages of hope, guidance and inspiration. Also, to follow is the General Women’s session for all sisters ages eight and older to be at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The general sessions will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 6-7 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gives everyone an opportunity to hear the words of living prophets and receive revelation for themselves. Having a question in mind ahead of time can be a wonderful way to prepare for General Conference.
Elisabeth Hansen, mother of three and who recently sent her oldest son on his mission just 2 weeks ago, said she prepares for Conference by, “Listening to a lot of Conference talks in the car as I’m driving back and forth.”
She says, “I have been able to listen to 8 talks or so in the last few days. It has really uplifted my spirit.”
When I asked Lexie Stoker what she and her young family do to prepare for the LDS General Conference she said, “Last night we talked about revelation from prophets in the different dispensations. We pray and read scriptures and also read from the Ensign and Friend every night. Lexie also adds, “Sometimes we play bingo during Conference or write in a journal.”
General Conference is a time to draw closer to Christ and increase faith in Him. Prophets always testify and teach about the Savior, including every General Conference.
President Russell M. Nelson taught from the April 2018 General Conference, “Brothers and sisters, how can we become the men and women--the Christlike servants--the Lord needs us to be? How can we find answers to questions that perplex us? If Joseph Smith’s transcendent experience in the Sacred Grove teaches us anything, it is that the heavens are open and that God speaks to His children.”
President Nelson further stated that, “The Prophet Joseph Smith set a pattern for us to follow in resolving our questions. Drawn to the promise of James that if we lack wisdom we may ask of God, the boy Joseph took his question directly to Heavenly Father. He sought personal revelation, and his seeking opened this last dispensation. Finally, President Nelson asks, “What will your seeking open for you?”
Take the time to write down your questions and earnestly seek for answers as you listen to General Conference this weekend. Prepare. Be motivated and inspired to act, then apply what you learn into your life.
From the Bible, in the book of Revelations, we read, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith…” (Revelations 3:22)
President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said, “I pray with all my heart that you will hear the voice of the Spirit, which is sent to you so generously. And I pray that you will open your heart always to receive Him.”
