This weekend we will have the opportunity to hear from the leaders of our church, divinely inspired prophets and apostles with messages tailored for us and our day. As you prepare thoughtfully and prayerfully for General Conference, you will be able to receive the inspiration and guidance you need for the coming days. Here are just a few suggestions on how to prepare for Conference.
Prepare Your Questions
General Conference is a great time to find answers to your questions. Over the next few days, take some time to prayerfully consider what questions you have in your heart and mind. As you bring those questions to Conference you will be able to find the answers you need. Elder Uchtdorf taught that “As you prepare for General Conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered… Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase.”
Prepare to Listen
Elder Neil L. Anderson has said that when we listen to General Conference we will be able to hear the voice of the Lord. “As you listen, the messages you receive may be very literal or they may be customized just for you. I promise you that as you prepare your spirit and come with the anticipation that you will hear the voice of the Lord, thoughts and feelings will come into your mind that are customized especially for you.” But to hear the voice of the Lord we need to listen.
I’ll be the first to admit that there have been conference sessions in the past to which I didn’t give my full attention. Either I rolled out of bed and flopped onto the couch at 9:59 or I was scrolling Instagram on my phone. I’ll also acknowledge that I didn’t get much out of those sessions. Being awake and ready to listen, minimizing distractions, and listening with intent can help us to receive the messages that we need this weekend.
For those of you with little ones at home, be sure to look here for a free printable General Conference Packet from LDS Bookstore.
Prepare to Act
As you listen for inspiration this weekend, it will come. But as important as it is to receive that inspiration, it is equally important to act on it. President Henry B. Eyring taught that “If you trust God enough to listen for His message… you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power will trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you.” As you listen to the messages this weekend, be ready for the prompting to act, whether it be next week, Monday morning, or even during the meeting!
As you prepare your questions, prepare to listen, and prepare to act this weekend, you will be blessed by the messages and the inspiration you will receive from Conference.
