Study Guide for "Prophets of God"

In her General Conference talk, Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, shares a compelling message about the role and significance of prophets in our lives today. Drawing on a story from the Old Testament, Sister Spannaus illustrates how we can gain a personal testimony of God's prophets and the importance of heeding their counsel. She emphasizes the role of prophets as seers, revelators, and messengers of God, and invites the youth to seek their own confirmation of the living prophets" divine calling.

Before Reading

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

What can we learn from the story of the woman of Shunem?
How does Sister Spannaus define a prophet?
What roles do prophets play in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
How can we gain a personal testimony of living prophets?
Why is it important to teach children about the truths of the gospel?

Topics

Gain a Personal Testimony of Prophets

Sister Spannaus emphasizes the importance of gaining a personal testimony of God's living prophets. She shares the story of the woman of Shunem, who recognized the prophet Elisha and acted on her testimony by inviting him into her home. Similarly, we are encouraged to open our hearts and minds to the messages of modern prophets.

The Lord testified to the woman of Shunem that Elisha was a prophet of God, and she acted by opening her house to receive him.

Do I have a personal testimony of God’s living prophets?

How did the woman of Shunem gain her testimony of the prophet Elisha?
What actions did the woman of Shunem take after receiving her testimony?
Have you sought a personal testimony of the living prophets? How can you do so?
In what ways can you open your heart and mind to the messages of modern prophets?

Understand the Role of Prophets

Prophets are called by God to speak for Him, acting as seers and revelators. They receive commandments and revelations, prophesy future events, and prepare us for challenges. Prophets also proclaim the gospel and serve as inspired teachers and messengers.

A prophet is a man whom God has called to speak for Him.

Prophets are seers and revelators. That means they can see what others cannot see, and they can prophesy of future events.

What is the definition of a prophet according to Sister Spannaus?
What are some of the roles that prophets fulfill?
How can understanding the role of prophets strengthen your faith?
In what ways have you seen the guidance of prophets in your life?

Teach Gospel Truths to Children

Parents and family members are encouraged to teach gospel truths to their children. Sister Spannaus highlights the importance of both formal and informal teaching moments and living according to the knowledge and testimony of the gospel.

I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children.

The Book of Mormon describes the 2,060 stripling warriors as "men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him."

What does it mean to teach gospel truths freely?
How were the stripling warriors described in the Book of Mormon?
How can you create more opportunities to teach gospel truths in your home?
Reflect on a time when you learned a gospel truth from a family member. How did it impact you?

Listen to and Obey Prophets

Sister Spannaus urges the youth to listen to and obey the voice of the prophets. She promises that doing so will make our lives easier despite challenges, as we will follow their guidance with trust, faith, and hope.

To listen to and obey the voice of the prophet is crucial to holding on to every good thing until the Second Coming of our Savior.

Why is it important to listen to and obey the prophets?
What promises are associated with obeying the prophets?
How can you better listen to and obey the counsel of the prophets?
What challenges have you faced that were made easier by following prophetic guidance?

Strengthen Your Testimony and Faith

Sister Spannaus encourages the youth to be strong in their testimonies and full of faith. She reminds them that the Church is growing stronger and that the Lord expects us to carry on His work with determination and courage.

The world’s wickedness is growing, but the Church of Jesus Christ and His kingdom are stronger than ever.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is counting on each of us to carry on His work.

How does Sister Spannaus describe the state of the Church in the world today?
What are we expected to do as members of the Church?
What steps can you take to strengthen your testimony and faith?
How can you contribute to carrying on the work of Jesus Christ?