Study Guide for "The Plan of Mercy"

In his talk "The Plan of Mercy," Elder James R. Rasband of the Seventy reflects on the profound teachings of the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 109. He shares insights gained from a prophetic invitation to study this prayer, emphasizing the merciful nature of God's plan of salvation. Elder Rasband explores how the temple serves as a place of empowerment, mercy, and revelation, offering blessings that extend beyond its walls to influence our daily lives and spiritual growth.

Before Reading

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

What insights can be gained from studying the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple?
How does the temple empower newly called missionaries and all of us?
What role does mercy play in the Lord's plan of salvation?
How can seeking forgiveness open the door to the Holy Ghost?
What does the Book of Mormon teach about God's mercy?

Topics

Study the Dedicatory Prayer of the Kirtland Temple

Elder Rasband emphasizes the importance of studying the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple as a source of spiritual empowerment. President Russell M. Nelson invited members to study this prayer to understand how the temple can help us face life's challenges. Elder Rasband shares his personal insights gained from this study, highlighting the merciful nature of God's plan.

The dedicatory prayer, said President Nelson, "is a tutorial about how the temple spiritually empowers you and me to meet the challenges of life in these last days."

Why did President Nelson invite members to study the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple?
What insights did Elder Rasband gain from studying this prayer?
How can you incorporate the teachings of the dedicatory prayer into your life?
What challenges are you facing that could be addressed through the spiritual empowerment of the temple?

Temple Attendance Empowers Missionaries and Members

The temple provides a unique source of spiritual empowerment for newly called missionaries and all members. Elder Rasband explains how temple attendance softens hearts and prepares individuals to bear testimony to the world. He emphasizes the promise that prejudices will give way before the truth and that hearts will be softened through temple service.

In the dedicatory prayer, given by revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed that "when thy servants shall go out from thy house … to bear testimony of thy name," the "hearts" of "all people" would "be softened."

How does the temple empower newly called missionaries?
What blessings are promised in the dedicatory prayer for those who serve in the temple?
Reflect on a time when attending the temple softened your heart. How did it affect your interactions with others?
How can you prepare to receive the blessings of empowerment from temple attendance?

The Role of Mercy in the Plan of Salvation

Mercy is a central theme in God's plan of salvation. Elder Rasband illustrates how the temple and the covenants made therein are manifestations of divine mercy. He discusses the concept of "hesed," a special kind of love and mercy, and how the plan of salvation is fundamentally a "plan of mercy."

In the temple, we find mercy in the covenants we make.

It might be said that the plan of salvation is a plan of happiness precisely because it is a "plan of mercy."

What does Elder Rasband teach about the connection between mercy and the plan of salvation?
How are temple covenants a manifestation of God's mercy?
How have you experienced God's mercy in your life?
What steps can you take to better understand and appreciate the role of mercy in the plan of salvation?

Seeking Forgiveness Invites the Holy Ghost

Elder Rasband highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness as a way to invite the Holy Ghost into our lives. He recounts Joseph Smith's experiences of pleading for mercy and receiving revelation. This pattern of seeking mercy and receiving divine guidance is a powerful way to feel the Holy Ghost's presence.

Joseph Smith’s plea for mercy in section 109 was not the first time his pleas for mercy prompted revelation.

Seeking the Lord’s mercy is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost.

What role does seeking forgiveness play in inviting the Holy Ghost?
How did Joseph Smith's pleas for mercy lead to revelation?
When have you felt the Holy Ghost after seeking forgiveness?
How can you make seeking forgiveness a more regular part of your spiritual practice?

Pondering God's Mercy Strengthens Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Elder Rasband encourages members to ponder God's mercy as a way to strengthen their testimony of the Book of Mormon. He explains how Moroni's exhortation to remember the Lord's mercy prepares us to receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. This reflection on mercy can help overcome struggles in feeling answers to prayer.

Moroni urges us not only to read these things—the records he was about to seal up—but also to ponder in our hearts what the Book of Mormon reveals about "how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men."

How does pondering God's mercy help us gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
What does Moroni teach about the role of mercy in receiving revelation?
Reflect on a time when pondering God's mercy helped you gain a testimony of a gospel principle.
How can you incorporate pondering on God's mercy into your study of the Book of Mormon?