Preparing for General Conference

Recall the last message you received that was meaningful. Was it a note from a parent or a text from a friend? What made it meaningful? What message do you think Jesus Christ would send to you?

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked a similar question:

My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you? (“Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 9),

Take a moment to write in your notebook what you know about Jesus Christ that would make a message from Him meaningful. Then record what you hope He would include in His message (such as guidance for your life, a message of hope and reassurance, a confirmation of truth, or an answer to a question).

Elder Uchtdorf went on to share what else a message from the Savior might include:

14:11

For the rising generation, I have a message especially for you from our Savior, Jesus Christ. …

I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so strongly—just from His presence—that it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul! …

The Savior would declare, in no uncertain terms, that you are a daughter or son of the Almighty God. Your Heavenly Father is the most glorious being in the universe, full of love, joy, purity, holiness, light, grace, and truth. And one day He wants you to inherit all He has. (“Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” 9–10)

general conference, revelation

Read three or more of the following sources, looking for one way the Lord sends His messages. You might tag each as “revelation” or “prophets.”

• 2 Chronicles 36:15

• Jeremiah 7:25

• Amos 3:7

• Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

• Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6

• Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

I give you my witness that Jesus is the Christ, that He guides the affairs of this sacred work, and that general conference is one of the very important times He gives direction to His Church and to us personally. (“The Voice of the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 122)

revelation, prophets

During general conference, prophets, seers, and revelators, along with other inspired Church leaders, share messages from the Lord. Next to one of the previously mentioned passages, make a note with the following truth: The Lord gives direction to His Church and to me personally through His servants, the prophets.

In your notebook, make a list with three or more ideas for what you could do before or during general conference to better receive the Lord’s messages.

Study three or more of the following five messages, and add additional ideas to your list.

1. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

   

   First of all, be very prayerful as you [prepare for general conference]. Think about the things that most concern you. You might write them down and pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ that answers can be provided to you. (Neil L. Andersen, Facebook, Sept. 20, 2020, facebook.com/neill.andersen)

2. President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

   

   If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. (“Trust in God, Then Go and Do,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 73)

3. President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

   

   If … you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you. (“An Ensign to the Nations,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 113)

4. President Russell M. Nelson taught:

   

   Please make notes of thoughts that catch your attention and those that come into your mind and stay in your heart. Prayerfully ask the Lord to confirm that what you have heard is true. (“What Is True?,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 30)

5. “Blessings of Conference” (2:24)

   

   2:25