Correct Decisions

“When we explain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes Heavenly Father answers yes, sometimes no. Often He withholds an answer, not for lack of concern, but because He loves us—perfectly. He wants us to apply truths He has given us. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions. We need to do what we feel is right. In time, He will answer. He will not fail us.”

Elder Richard G. Scott, “Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 31. 

No Blessing Will Be Denied

“The Lord has promised that in the eternities no blessing will be denied his sons and daughters who keep the commandments, are true to their covenants, and desire what is right.

“Many of the most important deprivations of mortality will be set right in the Millennium, which is the time for fulfilling all that is incomplete in the great plan of happiness for all of our Father’s worthy children. We know that will be true of temple ordinances. I believe it will also be true of family relationships and experiences.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 75. 

True Happiness = Marriage

 “It is in marriage that true happiness is found. You must not let education or other worldly pursuits keep you from this important step.”

Elder Brent H. Nielson, “Move Forward With Faith,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 54. 

No Fear

 “In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we need have no fear. We need not fear death, because we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His gift of the Resurrection.  We need not fear what man can do to us, because we know that if God is with us and if we have faith in Jesus Christ, we can accomplish whatsoever thing is expedient to His work (See Moroni 7:33). We need not fear the future, because we know that as we keep the commandments, the Lord will bless us.”

Elder Brent H. Nielson, “Move Forward With Faith,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 52. 

Covenant Relationship

“Our commitment to a covenant life is of monumental importance—not just to us but also to generations that will follow. Firmly establishing a covenant relationship with God will be the supreme legacy we provide our posterity. If we haven’t already done so, now is the time!”

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “Living a Covenant Life,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 49.

How We Live

 “Whether we live a long or short life upon this earth is of little consequence in the eternities. What really matters is how we live. Living the life of a covenant keeper is of highest value because keeping our covenants is the only way we can fulfill our eternal purpose.”

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “Living a Covenant Life,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 48. 

Ordinances

 “Ordinances are sacred ceremonies in which we make covenants. Covenants are promises we make with God. To connect us with heaven and help us overcome the confusion of the mortal world, ordinances raise our view, providing a vision of the things of eternity. Baptism (in which we are born again spiritually and take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ), confirmation (in which we become a member of the Savior’s Church and receive the incomparable gift of the Holy Ghost), ordination to the holy Melchizedek Priesthood (whereby we obtain God’s holy authority and promise to magnify our callings), the endowment (wherein we are understanding), and sealing (whereby we are connected to our families in an eternal model) collectively bestow on us what we need to fulfill God’s plan.”

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “Living a Covenant Life,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 46-47. 

Attributes of Godliness

 “Living by covenant is the way we mature in gaining the attributes of godliness.”

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “Living a Covenant Life,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 48.

Alignment Process

 “Prayer is not a negotiation process. It is an alignment process. We don’t move God to our point of view. Prayer is less about changing our circumstances and more about changing us.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 38. 

Mind of Christ

 “When we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, it means “our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ. . . . We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 38. 

Deepest Desires

 “Schedule sufficient time to carefully and humbly communicate the deepest desires of your heart with Heavenly Father.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign,  Jun 2013, 37.

Spiritual Link

 “Prayer is an essential and enabling spiritual link between God and man. Without prayer, there is no possible return to the Father. Without prayer, sufficient faith to understand and keep the commandments is impossible. Without prayer, the necessary spiritual power to avoid temptation and overcome trials and adversity would be unavailable. Without prayer, repentance, forgiveness and the cleansing power of the Atonement are unattainable. With the power of personal prayer, all things are possible.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 37. 

Pour Out Our Souls

 “We can speak with Heavenly Father vocally or by forming thoughts and expressions in our minds and hearts. Personal prayers should be solemn, sacred expressions of praise and gratitude; heartfelt petitions for specific needs and desires; humble, contrite confessions and requests for cleansing forgiveness; pleadings for comfort, direction, and revelation. These expressions often cause us to pour out our very souls to our loving Heavenly Father.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 37. 

Spiritual Barometer

 “I am convinced that personal prayer is one of the most significant challenges facing members of the Church, particularly youth and young adults. And because they struggle with prayer, they struggle spiritually.

“Our personal prayers are a barometer of our spiritual strength and an indicator of our spiritual well-being.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign, Jun 2013, 36. 

Honest Labor

 “Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them. I am convinced that one of the reasons for the breakup of so many couples today is the failure of parents to teach and train sons in their responsibility to provide and care for their families and to enjoy the challenge this responsibility brings. Many of us also have fallen short in instilling within our daughters the desire of bringing beauty and order into their homes through homemaking. . . .”

Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Joy of Honest Labor,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 62. 

Treat Wives With Dignity and Respect

 “Brethren, let’s treat our wives with dignity and with respect. They’re our eternal companions. Sisters, honor your husbands. They need to hear a good word. They need a friendly smile. They need a warm expression of true love.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Love at Home—Counsel from Our Prophet,” Ensign, Aug. 2011, 4. 

They Forgive

“Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign, May 2012, 77. 

Our Defining Tests

“Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments are and always will be the defining test of mortality. . . .

“Our doctrine is clear; we are to be positive and of good cheer. We emphasize our faith, not our fears. We rejoice in the Lord’s assurance that He will stand by us and give us guidance and direction. The Holy Ghost testifies to our hearts that we have a loving father in Heaven, whose merciful plan for our redemption will be fulfilled in every aspect because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.” 

Elder Quentin L. Cook, “In Tune with the Music of Faith,” Ensign, May 2012, 44. 

Humbly Grateful

 “Let us not be arrogant but rather humbly grateful if our children are obedient and respectful of our teachings of the ways of the Lord.”

President James E. Faust, “Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered,” Ensign, June 2013, 21.