In the Sunday morning session of the October 2020 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson issued a challenge:
As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life.
Studying everything that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel is no small feat. In a footnote of his talk, President Nelson noted that the word Israel appears more than 1,000 times in the scriptures. He also pointed out that he has spoken of Israel in at least 378 of the more than 800 messages he has delivered since becoming an Apostle.
In the face of numbers like that, perhaps you have struggled to know where to start studying. As you prepare for April general conference, we invite you to join us in a six-week study as we learn more about what the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. Each week we will focus on a theme tied to a letter of I-S-R-A-E-L. Each day of the week will then correspond to a study prompt (Sunday Scripture, Monday Music, Tuesday Talk, and so on). Whether you have an hour to study each day or only a few minutes, there is something in every day for you.
Find a printable PDF of the schedule, links to the specific weekly prompts, and a guide on how to use it all below.
You can also find past LDS Living countdowns to conference here.
Covenant Israel
Download a printable PDF calendar here.
Use the links to find videos, talks, and articles for each promise listed below.
- Immanuel (February 21–27): God will be with us.
- Saved (February 28–March 6): The Lord will save us.
- Rewarded (March 7–13): God will reward us.
- Atoned (March 14–20): The Atonement can help and heal us.
- Eternal (March 21–27): We can receive eternal life.
- Loved (March 28–April 3): God loves us forever.
The study guide includes a daily study prompt related to the theme of I-S-R-A-E-L and the specific promise for that week. Here’s a look at the categories of those prompts:
- Sunday Scripture: Read a passage of scripture related to the weekly theme.
- Monday Music: Listen to a hymn or song related to the theme.
- Tuesday Talk: Study one of President Nelson’s talks about Israel.
- Wednesday Wonder: Reflect on a different question found in President Nelson’s October 2020 general conference talk “Let God Prevail.”
- Thursday Thought: Deepen your understanding with an LDS Living article or video.
- Friday Family: Do an activity with your family or an activity related to family history.
- Saturday Share: Share with someone else something you’ve learned or a blessing you’ve received.
Happy studying!
Featured image and PDF Design by Kensie Smith
Get ready for April general conference with the Work + Wonder General Conference Workbook. This workbook was designed to guide you in preparing your hearts and homes for the timely messages of general conferences and engage in the words of our leaders. Through prompted note pages for each address, you are invited to actively listen as you record personal revelation and meaningful impressions in a beautifully designed space that will encourage you to revisit your notes often. Available now at DeseretBook.com.
Immanuel (February 21–27)
Sunday Scripture
Read and ponder 1 Nephi 21:14–16.
But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Monday Music
Listen to “Redeemer of Israel” performed by GENTRI.
Tuesday Talk
Study “Let God Prevail” from the October 2020 general conference.
Wednesday Wonder
Ponder President Nelson’s question, “Are you willing to let God prevail in your life?” Record thoughts and impressions that come.
Thursday Thought
Watch Brother Brad Wilcox’s 5-Minute Fireside, “You Were Born to Change the World” and consider how you can use your influence for good.
Friday Family
Ask a family member or loved one what it means to them to “let God prevail.” Then share what it means to you.
Saturday Share
Write in your journal about a time you felt God’s presence in your life.
Find this week’s “Redeemer of Israel” by GENTRI on their fourth album, Hymns. Known for their stunning orchestral arrangements and cinematic approach to music, their take on spiritual classics like “Abide With Me,” “Come, Thou Fount,” and “Amazing Grace” is truly breathtaking. Surprisingly original and carefully crafted arrangements of favorites like “I'll Fly Away” and “Be Still, My Soul” are both peaceful and exhilarating. This collection of songs will lift your spirits and bring joy to your home. Available now at DeseretBook.com.
Saved (February 28–March 6)
Sunday Scripture
Read and ponder Doctrine and Covenants 98:37.
“And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children’s, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.”
Monday Music
Listen to “Be Thou My Vision” performed by Nathan Pacheco.
Tuesday Talk
Study “The Sabbath Is a Delight” from the April 2015 general conference.
Wednesday Wonder
Ponder President Nelson’s question, “Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?” Record thoughts and impressions that come.
Thursday Thought
Read “The ultimate victory: How the death of Jesus Christ was a triumph, according to one BYU professor.” Think about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ can help you triumph.
Friday Family
Spend 10 minutes writing part of your personal history. Find helpful prompts from FamilySearch.
Saturday Share
Reach out to someone you haven’t seen at Church recently. Some may not be attending due to health concerns and may need to feel loved.
This week’s Thursday Thought comes from John Hilton III’s new book, Considering the Cross. Through scriptures, quotes, and stories, Considering the Cross shows that prophets, both ancient and modern, have taught that the Savior's Crucifixion is a central part of our redemption from sin. What the cross means for Christians in general and Latter-day Saints in particular has sometimes varied, but one meaning is constant—Christ was crucified for the sins of the world because of His love for us. Jesus is both the living Christ and, as manifested through His death, the loving Christ. Preorder it now at DeseretBook.com.
Rewarded (March 7–13)
Sunday Scripture
Read and ponder Psalm 31:23.
“O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”
Monday Music
Listen to “Israel, Israel God Is Calling” performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Tuesday Talk
Study “Hope of Israel,” the June 2018 Worldwide Youth Devotional.
Wednesday Wonder
Ponder President Nelson’s question, “Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day?” Record thoughts and impressions that come.
Thursday Thought
Read “‘The most important thing taking place on earth today’: Why the gathering of Israel matters.” Ponder why the gathering of Israel is important to you.
Friday Family
Call a family member and ask them how they have seen the Lord’s blessings in their lives. Write down what you learn.
Saturday Share
Pray and ask how you can bless someone else’s life today.
Trying to keep track of the promises of God to covenant Israel in the scriptures? You may enjoy a journal edition of the scriptures. Available for each of the standard works, these editions can help with both your daily study and your journaling efforts. The full scriptural text paired with spacious margins give you a large canvas to express your thoughts, document your insights, and maybe even create your own art and calligraphy right on the pages, enhancing your daily study and creating a record that will endure. Explore what’s available at DeseretBook.com.
Atoned (March 14–20)
Sunday Scripture
Read and ponder 3 Nephi 11:14.
“Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.”
Monday Music
Listen to “How Great Thou Art” performed by The Bonner Family.
Tuesday Talk
Study “Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel” from the October 2018 general conference or “We Can Do Better and Be Better” from the April 2018 general conference.
Wednesday Wonder
Ponder President Nelson’s question, “Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition?” Record thoughts and impressions that come.
Thursday Thought
Read “Have we lost our awareness of what it means to be a chosen people?” by Robert L. Millet. Think about what it means to you to be part of the Lord’s chosen people.
Friday Family
Take time for the temple today, even though it may be closed. You could consider reflecting on past temple memories, pondering the covenants you’ve made, visiting temple grounds where possible, or having a conversation with your children about the temple. Resources are available at temples.churchofjesuschrist.org.
Saturday Share
Contact someone you minister to and share how the Savior’s Atonement has blessed you.
Find more music from The Bonner Family in their first all-hymns album, Come Ye Saints. Songs like “I Stand All Amazed” and “Onward, Christian Soldiers” will fill your home with warmth and harmony. Available now at DeseretBook.com.
Eternal (March 21–27)
Sunday Scripture
Read and ponder Alma 7:16.
“And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.”
Monday Music
Listen to “The Spirit of God” performed by the Nashville Tribute Band and theJohnson family.
Tuesday Talk
Study “The Gathering of Scattered Israel” from the October 2006 general conference.
Wednesday Wonder
Ponder President Nelson’s question, “Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?” Record thoughts and impressions that come.
Thursday Thought
Read “Not sure how to explain to your children what happens in the temple? These insights from Sister Aburto can help.” Think about what you would tell your children about the temple.
Friday Family
Familiarize yourself with the Ordinances Ready feature with this one-minute video.
Saturday Share
Write down your testimony and send it to a loved one.
Find this week’s rendition of “The Spirit of God” on the Don't Miss This in the Doctrine and Covenants Soundtrack. Emily Freeman and David Butler of Don’t Miss This teamed up with Jason Deere and the Nashville Tribute Band to soundtrack your study of the Doctrine and Covenants! This EP features three brand-new Nashville Tribute Band recordings and a special QR code that will link you to the full Don’t Miss This playlist! Available now at DeseretBook.com.
Loved (March 28–April 3)
Sunday Scripture
Read and ponder 1 Nephi 17:40.
“And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt.”
Monday Music
Listen to “I Feel My Savior’s Love” from the album Shine.
► You may also like: She has worked with Gladys Knight and just recorded an entire album of Primary songs. Here's why the music is unlike anything you've heard before
Tuesday Talk
Study “Hear Him” from the April 2020 general conference.
Wednesday Wonder
Ponder President Nelson’s question, “Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?” Record thoughts and impressions that come.
Thursday Thought
Read “What would it be like to hear the Savior pray for you? Tom Christofferson asks how the experience would change you.” Write down your feelings about what it would be like to hear the Savior pray for you.
Friday Family
President Boyd K. Packer taught, “Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected. We urge our members to show devotion to their families.” Look for a way to spend time with your family today. You could consider attending Deseret Book’s Virtual Family Friday.
Saturday Share
Invite someone you love to watch general conference with you.
Stay tuned to the latest general conference news and updates with the LDS Living newsletter.
Bonus: Don't let your studying stop here! Stay tuned in to conference and help your kids stay involved with it as well with the free Deseret Book Conference Packet, full of related coloring sheets, conference bingo, and more. Available now at DeseretBook.com.
