Prophets of God
Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
Sister Spannaus invites youth to gain a personal testimony of God's living prophets today.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Recognize and Receive Prophets
Sister Spannaus shares the story of the woman of Shunem, who recognized the prophet Elisha and acted on her testimony by inviting him into her home. This story illustrates the importance of recognizing and receiving God's prophets today.
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.
We too can receive a personal testimony of God’s prophets today and open our hearts and minds—our house—to the message that our Heavenly Father has for us in these latter days.Key Points:
- The woman of Shunem recognized Elisha as a prophet through the Holy Ghost.
- She took action by making space for him in her home.
- We can develop a personal testimony of living prophets today.
- Reflect on a time when you recognized the influence of a spiritual leader in your life.
- Share an experience when you felt prompted to act on a testimony you received.
- Discuss how you have opened your heart to receive guidance from Church leaders.
Understand the Role of Prophets
Prophets are called by God to speak for Him. They are seers and revelators, tasked with proclaiming the gospel, teaching God's commandments, and preparing us for future events.
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.Key Points:
- Prophets receive commandments and revelations from the Lord.
- They have the authority to declare and interpret doctrine.
- They prepare us for calamities and lead us to happiness and celestial glory.
- Consider a time when a prophet's message prepared you for a challenge.
- Share how a prophet's teachings have influenced your understanding of the gospel.
- Discuss the impact of prophetic guidance on your spiritual growth.
Testify of Christ
Prophets bear witness of Jesus Christ, His divinity, and His role as Savior. Their testimonies strengthen our faith and help us follow the Savior's example.
Prophets testify of Christ—His existence, His ministry, and His divinity.
Abinadi proclaimed: "God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people."Key Points:
- Prophets in the Book of Mormon testified of Christ's coming and His divine mission.
- Their testimonies help us understand and follow Christ.
- Prophets today continue to testify of Christ's role in our salvation.
- Reflect on how a prophet's testimony of Christ has strengthened your faith.
- Share a moment when you felt the Savior's influence through a prophet's words.
- Discuss how you have applied a prophet's teachings about Christ in your life.
Teach and Guide Families
Parents are commanded to teach their children the truths of the gospel. Prophets provide guidance to help families raise children in light and truth.
The Lord Himself taught Adam and Eve the truths of the plan of salvation. And then He said to them, "I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children."
Parents, in this world where there are many voices and sometimes much darkness, God Himself has commanded us to raise our children in light and truth.Key Points:
- Teaching children gospel truths is a commandment from God.
- Prophets provide guidance to help parents fulfill this responsibility.
- Raising children in light and truth is essential in a world full of darkness.
- Share a teaching moment you had with your children or family.
- Reflect on how prophetic counsel has helped you in family teaching.
- Discuss the impact of gospel teaching in your family life.
Strengthen Personal Testimonies
Sister Spannaus encourages the youth to seek a personal testimony of living prophets through prayer and the Holy Ghost. A strong testimony helps us navigate life's challenges with faith and hope.
I invite you to kneel, open your hearts, and pray with faith to Heavenly Father, asking Him to confirm to you that His chosen prophet and apostles are His voice on the earth today.
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.Key Points:
- Seeking a personal testimony of prophets is essential for spiritual strength.
- Prayer and the Holy Ghost are key to gaining this testimony.
- A strong testimony helps us follow prophetic counsel with trust and faith.
- Reflect on a time when prayer helped you gain a testimony of a gospel principle.
- Share how having a testimony of prophets has influenced your decisions.
- Discuss how you have strengthened your testimony through spiritual practices.
