Back in the October 2010 General Conference, Elder Claudio R. M. Costa spoke of the the blessing of having prophets in our day. His remarks are entitled Obedience to the Prophets.

Key Points

• Joseph Smith and his successors have each been called to speak for God.
• Prophets can see the future for the purpose of benefitting mankind.
• Believing in prophets means faith, confidence, and obedience.
• Elder Costa reviews and summarizes President Benson’s 14 Fundamentals.

Reflection Questions

Elder Costa said, “Pay attention.” What steps are you taking to identify prophetic priorities?

Which of the 14 fundamentals he reviewed do you find the most difficult to follow? How can you strengthen your testimony of that principle?

This is part of a series sharing talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attempt to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

In the April 2016 General Conference, Elder Ronald A. Rasband spoke of the importance of faith in our relationships with the leaders the Lord has chosen for this time. His remarks are entitled Standing with the Leaders of the Church

Key Points

• Our sustained leaders have been called to guide us through the dangers of our day.
• Relationships with leaders are important and can influence us for good.
• Often the Lord’s outreach and care for us comes to us through our leaders.
• The role of leaders is to share their testimony and point us to Christ.

Reflection Questions

What leaders have influenced you to grow in your testimony of the Savior?

How can you build a faith-focused relationship with local and general leaders?

This is part of a series sharing talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attempt to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

In the April 2023 General Conference, Elder Alan Haynie spoke about a childhood memory when his Saturday Morning cartoons were replaced with a conference broadcast and he felt the power of seeing David O. McKay. His comments are entitled A Living Prophet for the Latter Days.

Key Points

• “Knowing by revelation that there is a living prophet on the earth changes everything.”
• We were chosen to be born during these troubling times, and prophets are a tool God has given us to navigate them.
• The most recent prophetic teachings are the most important.
• Parable of the crushed water bottle: learn to have a prompt response to prophetic counsel.
• Our response to prophets can have generational impact.
• Set aside distractions and focus on the blessing of living prophets.

Reflection Questions

Following a prophet does not mean mimicking his every action, but what lessons did you learn from the water bottle parable?

How did your parents’ response to prophetic teaching influence you? What example are you offering to others?

Can you name some of the most recent counsel received from the prophet? How are you living that counsel?

This is part of a series sharing talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attempt to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.