Sunday Afternoon Session

Praise to the Man

The Day Dawn is Breaking

Dallin H. Oaks

As spirits, we desired to achieve the eternal life enjoyed by our Heavenly Parents. At that point, we had progressed as far as we could without a mortal experience in a physical body. To reclaim us from death, our Heavenly Father’s plan would require a Savior. In the counsel of Heaven, all of the spirit children were introduced to God’s plan. Our actions in the spirit world have influenced our experiences in mortality. The purpose of mortal life and the postmortal growth is for the offspring of God to become as He is. This is His desire for all of His children. He invites all to come unto Him. He denieth none that come unto Him. Through His suffering, we can be cleansed of our sins. Our progress need not conclude with mortality. This life is the time to prepare to meet God. We should not procrastinate our repentance. In the spirit world, the gospel is preached, even to the wicked and disobedient. Those taught there are capable of repentance before the final judgement.

Quentin L. Cook

This restored church is led by our Savior Jesus Christ. Regardless of your situation, the Church and its members will welcome you back. The Holy Ghost can influence everyone. The Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent in the process of repentance. Pray for spiritual guidance. Prepare for inspiration. Be in harmony with the Lord’s teaching. Seek continuing revelation and follow the spirit.

Ricardo P. Giménez

None of us are exempt from facing storms. Suffering is universal. How we react to suffering is individual. We must have faith in Him. He has promised to make our burdens light if we come unto Him. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. It’s easier to say these things when we aren’t in a storm. Jesus Christ and his atonement are the refuge that we all need, regardless of the storm in our lives. If you come, you will see, you will help, and you will stay. If you put your trust in God, you’ll be supported in your trials and afflictions and be lifted up in the last days. Be still and know that I am God. 

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The God and King of the Universe. We learn to recognize and act upon the promptings of the Spirit. We are encouraged to immerse ourselves in the words of God through prophets ancient and modern. Often the people He served were not of prominence, beauty, and wealth. If Jesus spent His mortal life, ministering to the least of these, would He not love them today? There is a place in His church for all of God’s children. Even for those who feel unworthy, forgotten, or alone. Your prayers do not have to be loud, elegant, or grammatically correct in order to reach heaven. God does not show favoritism. He is waiting for our return. You do belong in His church. You don’t have to be perfect. You only have to have the desire to draw nearer to Him each day. As you do so, God will encircle you with His love.

L. Whitney Clayton

Homes are made fine by the image of Christ reflected in the home’s residence. What matters is the interior design of the souls of the residents. Transform and remodel our homes with gospel study. Take time to evaluate our own spiritual seismic engineering. What lack I yet? The finest homes are refuges from the world. The Savior is the perfect architect, builder, and designer. You can be the finest version of yourself. 

D. Todd Christofferson

Pray with all energy of heart that we may be filled with is love. What is it that will make your invitation appealing to someone? Will it be you or how you live? How you treat others. The things you say or didn’t say. We must live the gospel the best we can for our invitation to be appealing. Authenticity. Come experience the joy of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone is worthy of invitation. The Lord is pleased with every effort we make, no matter the outcome. 

President Russell M. Nelson

Hear Him. Begin anew to hear, hearken to, and heed to listen to the Savior. Increased faith will follow. Come, Follow Me. Become temple worthy. As you think more about the temple, you’ll think more about Him. 8 new temples: Bahia Blanca, Argentina, Tallahassee, Florida, Lubanboshi, Democratic Republic Congo, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benin City, Nigeria, Syracuse, Utah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. Apostolic blessing: with peace and increasing faith in the Lord. With a desire to repent and become more like Him. To know the Prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet