Opening the Heavens for Help
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- Why is the name of the Church so significant?
- What is the new symbol introduced by President Nelson, and what does it represent?
- What is the role of fasting and prayer in times of distress?
- How can we put our faith in Jesus Christ into action?
Topics
Understanding the Importance of the Church's Name
President Nelson emphasizes the importance of correctly referring to the Church by its full name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He explains that using the correct name is crucial because it centers our worship and lives on Jesus Christ. He also renews his promise that blessings will be poured upon those who strive to correctly use the Church's name.
This is the Church of Jesus Christ. He decreed exactly what His Church should be called: "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
When we remove the Lord’s name from the name of His Church, we inadvertently remove Him as the central focus of our worship and our lives.
I renew that promise today.
- Why is it important to use the correct name of the Church?
- What happens when we remove the Lord's name from the name of His Church?
- What promise does President Nelson renew in his talk?
- How can you make a more conscious effort to use the correct name of the Church in your daily life?
- What changes have you noticed in your life as you strive to focus more on Jesus Christ?
Introducing a New Symbol for the Church
President Nelson introduces a new symbol to represent the Church, which emphasizes the central place of Jesus Christ. The symbol includes a representation of the Christus statue, symbolizing the living, resurrected Christ, contained within a cornerstone, with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone.
To help us remember Him and to identify The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Lord’s Church, we are pleased to introduce a symbol that will signify the central place of Jesus Christ in His Church.
This symbol includes the name of the Church contained within a cornerstone. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
The symbol will now be used as a visual identifier for official literature, news, and events of the Church.
- What is the new symbol for the Church?
- What does the symbol represent?
- How will the symbol be used?
- How does the new symbol help you remember the central place of Jesus Christ in His Church?
- How can this symbol influence your daily actions and decisions?
Emphasizing the Power of Fasting and Prayer
President Nelson discusses the doctrine of fasting and its biblical origins. He emphasizes the power of fasting and prayer, particularly during times of distress such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He issues a call for a worldwide fast, inviting all to join in pleading for relief from the pandemic.
So, during times of deep distress, as when illness reaches pandemic proportions, the most natural thing for us to do is to call upon our Heavenly Father and His Son—the Master Healer—to show forth Their marvelous power to bless the people of the earth.
I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized.
- What is the doctrine of fasting?
- Why is fasting and prayer particularly important during times of distress?
- What is President Nelson's invitation regarding fasting and prayer?
- How can you incorporate fasting and prayer more fully into your life?
- What can you do to invite others to join in fasting and prayer?
- How have you experienced the power of fasting and prayer in your own life?
