The Plan of Mercy
James R. Rasband, of the Seventy
Elder Rasband emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seeking God's mercy through temple worship and scripture study.
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Topics
Embrace the Prophet's Invitation
Elder Rasband begins by discussing President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to study the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, emphasizing the spiritual empowerment it provides to meet life's challenges.
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."Key Points:
- The study of section 109 offers insights that bless individuals spiritually.
- The temple provides spiritual empowerment for overcoming life's challenges.
- Reflect on a time when following prophetic counsel brought you spiritual strength.
- Consider a challenge you faced and how temple worship helped you overcome it.
- Think about an insight you gained from studying a specific section of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Empower New Missionaries Through Temple Service
Newly called missionaries are encouraged to receive their temple endowment and serve in the temple, which spiritually empowers them for their missions.
In the temple, God empowers new missionaries—indeed, all of us—in an additional, sacred way.Key Points:
- Temple service before missions blesses missionaries with spiritual empowerment.
- The dedicatory prayer includes promises of softened hearts and favor in the sight of others.
- Share an experience of how temple service prepared you for a significant life event.
- Describe a time when you saw the hearts of others soften after your temple worship.
- Reflect on the blessings you received from serving in the temple before a mission or other service.
Seek Mercy Through Temple Worship
Elder Rasband highlights the importance of seeking mercy through temple worship, as demonstrated by Joseph Smith's pleas for mercy and the Lord's response.
I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.Key Points:
- Joseph Smith's pleas for mercy were answered with divine manifestations.
- The temple is a place where the Lord manifests His mercy to His people.
- Recall a time when you felt the Lord's mercy in the temple.
- Share how seeking mercy has influenced your spiritual journey.
- Consider how temple worship has helped you feel closer to the Savior.
Discover Mercy in the Plan of Salvation
The plan of salvation is described as a plan of mercy, with the temple playing a key role in understanding and accessing God's merciful love.
It might be said that the plan of salvation is a plan of happiness precisely because it is a "plan of mercy."Key Points:
- Temple covenants increase access to God's love and mercy.
- Every aspect of the plan of salvation is a manifestation of mercy.
- Reflect on how understanding the plan of salvation has brought you peace.
- Share an experience where you felt the merciful nature of God's plan.
- Consider how temple covenants have deepened your understanding of mercy.
Open the Door to the Holy Ghost Through Forgiveness
Seeking forgiveness and pleading for mercy can open the door to revelation and the witness of the Holy Ghost, as demonstrated by Joseph Smith and others in scripture.
Seeking the Lord’s mercy is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost.Key Points:
- Joseph Smith's pleas for mercy led to significant revelations.
- The process of seeking forgiveness invites the Holy Ghost into our lives.
- Share a personal experience where seeking forgiveness brought you closer to the Holy Ghost.
- Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Ghost after pleading for mercy.
- Consider how forgiveness has played a role in your spiritual growth.
