Sunday, May 17th PREPARATION

On Sunday, May 17th, we will be participating in our ward conference, a wonderful time to receive guidance and inspiration from our stake leaders. A member of the stake Relief Society presidency will be teaching our lesson in Relief Society. We would invite you to read this lesson ahead of time and come prepared to hear and feel the Spirit teach you PERSONALLY what your Heavenly Father wants you to know. The lesson will be Chapters 9 & 10: Flooding the Earth With the Book of Mormon from the Teachings of the Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson manual.

Click here to read Chapter 9.

Click here to read Chapter 10.

This last week, youth all over the world had an opportunity to participate in a live "face to face" chat with Elder David A. Bednar and his wife Susan. This was an amazing broadcast to watch. The Spirit was so strong as we heard questions from youth all over the world and heard the inspired answers from a member of the 12 apostles and his wife. One of the most interesting and inspiring moments occurred at the very beginning of the broadcast before any questions were asked. Elder and Sister Bednar gave the following advice to all those listening and participating in the broadcast. He said:

"We hope all those participating will hear much more than is said. Sister Bednar and I are not able to answer all the questions...we don't have the capacity to answer some of the really challenging questions people have. We aren't smart enough, don't have enough experience. But as together we interact, seeking for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, then people will receive thoughts and feelings, impressions and inspiration by the power of the Holy Ghost and they will hear things that are not said by the power of the Holy Ghost. That is what we really hope happens here tonight."

"You can get an answer to your question if you are prayerful and have a prayer in your heart. And even your question might not be asked, I bet you'll still receive an answer to your question." (Sister Susan Bednar)

We recently discussed in Relief Society the role and responsibility of the learner in our Sunday meetings. Elder and Sister Bednar gave inspired counsel to help us prepare as we attend our Sunday meetings...we need to prepare ourselves by reading the lessons, having questions prepared that we would like answered, and then come prepared to have the Spirit personally teach us what we need to know. As a Relief Society presidency, we pray that every week you will hear much more than is said. We pray the Spirit will answer your questions, provide guidance and reassurance, and expand your mind and spirit...but we each must do our part in order to be blessed with that type of experience. What an amazing spiritual feast we can have each Sunday if we come physically and spiritually prepared.

Please take a moment in the COMMENT section below and share any experiences YOU have had in preparing in advance to be taught and led by the Spirit. We would love to hear your thoughts!

(Here is the the link to watch the entire broadcast by Elder and Sister Bednar. You could watch one question and answer for a series of wonderful Family Home Evening lessons for the next few weeks. And be sure to watch their closing testimonies...powerful witnesses of the gospel.)