General Conference and Personal Revelation

As general conference approaches (on September 24 and October 1-2), I would like to share a few thoughts regarding things we can do to prepare. In doing so, we can make of general conference the blessing intended by the Lord.

General Conference - A Time for Personal Revelation

When we think of general conference, most of us look forward to what we will be taught by the First Presidency, other General Authorities and General Officers of the Church. Indeed, their instruction is inspiring and vital to our well-being in a world of rapidly declining moral values. However, perhaps we often don’t put enough emphasis on the fact that general conference can be a time of personal revelation--a time when impressions can come that are independent of what is spoken from the pulpit.

Prepare to Learn from the Spirit

I would like to paraphrase something spoken by President Boyd K. Packer, adapting it to general conference: “What we gain from [general conference] will depend to a large degree on what we take to [general conference] in the way of humility and reverence and a desire to learn. If we are teachable, we will be taught by the Spirit in [general conference]” (“Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple," 10, emphasis added).

As we prepare for general conference in the spirit of President Packer’s counsel, impressions will come--especially if we listen with questions to which we need answers. The answers will come in the the Lord’s way and timing.

As it says on the general conference page of lds.org, “Conference provides an opportunity to receive personal revelation as living prophets give counsel and direction. Asking questions can help you prepare for conference, increasing personal revelation while you watch” (emphasis added).

“As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. There are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, emphasis added).

Be Prepared to Take Notes and Take Action

Have something handy to write on when impressions come. If we don’t record impressions given to us by the Spirit and treat them with the thoughtful consideration and action that they deserve, the Lord may be reluctant to give us more impressions. On the other hand if we record, ponder and act on impressions, the Lord will see that he can trust us with more of them.

I love general conference and pray that all of us will prepare and partake of general conference to our great blessing.