Study Guide for "The Voice of the Lord"

In his General Conference address, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discusses the profound impact of General Conference as a conduit for receiving the voice of the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of heeding the counsel of Church leaders, the sacred process of preparing conference talks, and the blessings that come from acting on the inspiration received. Elder Andersen testifies of the divine guidance provided to the Church and its members through these inspired messages, encouraging all to diligently study and apply the teachings shared.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Elder Andersen describe the light and power of God in relation to General Conference?
What does Elder Andersen say about the process of preparing General Conference talks?
How does Elder Andersen suggest we can receive personalized messages from the Lord during General Conference?
What examples does Elder Andersen use to illustrate the importance of following prophetic counsel?

Topics

Receive Direction from General Conference

Elder Andersen testifies that General Conference is a time when the Lord gives direction to His Church and to individuals personally. He emphasizes the importance of preparing spiritually to receive these messages and acting upon the inspiration received.

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.

I promise you that as you prepare your spirit and come with the anticipation that you will hear the voice of the Lord, thoughts and feelings will come into your mind that are customized especially for you.

Why is General Conference an important time for receiving direction from the Lord?
How can we prepare ourselves to receive personalized messages during General Conference?
How have you felt the Lord's direction during past General Conferences?
What steps can you take to better prepare yourself spiritually for the next General Conference?

Trust in the Words of Church Leaders

Elder Andersen underscores the importance of trusting and believing in the words of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He explains that their messages are inspired and vital for our spiritual growth and endurance amid the confusion of the modern world.

In the commotion and confusion of our modern world, trusting and believing in the words of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve is vital to our spiritual growth and endurance.

Why is it important to trust in the words of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
How can their messages help us navigate the challenges of the modern world?
In what ways have you seen the words of Church leaders impact your life?
How can you strengthen your trust in the counsel provided by Church leaders?

The Sacred Process of Preparing Conference Talks

Elder Andersen describes the sacred and rigorous process that Church leaders undergo to prepare their General Conference talks. He highlights the role of fasting, prayer, study, and faith in receiving revelation for their messages.

Fasting and prayer, study and faith are always part of the process. The Lord wants no pretense diminishing His voice to His Saints.

Direction for a general conference talk often comes in the night or the early morning hours, when the talk is far from the thoughts of the mind. Suddenly, unanticipated insight and, at times, specific words and phrases flow as pure revelation.

What steps do Church leaders take to prepare their General Conference talks?
How does the Lord guide the preparation of these talks?
How can you apply the principles of fasting, prayer, study, and faith in your own spiritual preparations?
Have you ever received inspiration in unexpected ways? How did you recognize it as revelation?

Applying General Conference Messages

Elder Andersen encourages members to not only listen to General Conference messages but to study and apply them in their lives. He shares examples of how acting on prophetic counsel has led to significant blessings and spiritual growth.

President Monson has said: "Take the time to read the conference messages." "Ponder [them]. … I have found … that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth."

I promise that as you hear the voice of the Lord to you in the teachings of this general conference, and then act on those promptings, you will feel heaven’s hand upon you, and your life and the lives of those around you will be blessed.

Why is it important to study and apply General Conference messages?
What promises does Elder Andersen give for those who act on the promptings they receive during General Conference?
How have you applied past General Conference messages in your life?
What changes can you make to more diligently study and apply the teachings from this General Conference?

Responding to the Voice of the Lord

Elder Andersen emphasizes the importance of responding to the voice of the Lord as heard through His servants. He shares a powerful example from President Russell M. Nelson's life, illustrating the blessings that come from immediate and faithful action on prophetic counsel.

We should not be alarmed when the words of the Lord’s servants run counter to the thinking of the world and, at times, our own thinking. It has always been this way.

May we see these as examples for our own lives.

Why is it important to respond to the voice of the Lord through His servants?
What can we learn from President Russell M. Nelson's example of following prophetic counsel?
Can you recall a time when you acted on prophetic counsel and saw blessings as a result?
What steps can you take to be more responsive to the voice of the Lord in your life?