To help you prepare for the April 2023 general conference, check out this daily quote from last general conference and additional study resources to refresh your memory and inspire your conference prep!
You can follow along each day or re-read each short quote on a quiet Sunday afternoon! No matter how you choose to personally prepare for general conference, we hope you’ll feel inspired and motivated to pay close attention to the fresh new messages from our Church leaders during this April conference.
“The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort.” —President Dallin H. Oaks
You can read President Oaks’s entire October 2022 general conference message on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
President Oaks’s message on helping the poor and distressed highlighted many of the Church’s humanitarian efforts. To learn more about some of those projects, here are a few additional resources and stories:
“I believe the Savior Jesus Christ would want you to see, feel, and know that He is your strength. That with His help, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. That your potential is limitless. He would want you to see yourself the way He sees you. And that is very different from the way the world sees you.” —Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
You can read Elder Uchtdorf’s entire October 2022 general conference address on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
As part of his message, Elder Uchtdorf also announced a new For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Here are a few more resources on the new 2022 pamphlet and its principles:
The “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet was most recently updated in 2022. Here's a look at how this youth handbook has changed since its first publication in 1965.
“Jesus Christ is both the purpose of our focus and the intent of our destination. To help us to remain fixed and heading in the right direction, the Savior invites us to see our lives through Him in order to see more of Him in our lives.” —Sister Tracy Y. Browning
You can read Sister Browning’s entire message from October 2022 general conference on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning is also the first Black woman to serve in a general presidency of the Church. Learn more about her and hear additional inspiring messages from her in some of these stories below.
“I am a daughter of God, one of his Black daughters, and because I’m Black, I’ve had very specific cultural experiences that influence my perspective, my leadership, and my faith.”
When Sister Tracy Browning’s mother was investigating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she reached a pivotal junction in her study of the restored gospel—a desire to know if the Book of Mormon was the true word of God.
“When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear.” —Elder Dale G. Renlund
You can read Elder Renlund’s entire message from October 2022 general conference on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Elder Renlund’s message about personal revelation is powerful and poignant. For more stories on the importance of personal revelation, check out these articles below.
My 10-year-old pitches a different excuse every week to convince us it’s impossible for him to go to church. And while I want him to be there, the resistance is draining.
If you find yourself struggling to participate in family history work, check out the Love Your Lineagepodcast. Two passionate women, Miyamoto Loretta Jensen and Michelle Franzoni Thorley, help listeners see beyond the traditional focus on searching for missing names—showing how everyone, no matter their background or family situation, can make deep and powerful connections to their ancestors. You can listen to a preview of the podcast in the player below.
“Adversity in our lives can cause doubt about the fulfillment of the promises that have been made to us. Please trust in our Father. He always keeps His promises, and we can learn what He wants to teach us.” —Elder Hugo Montoya
You can read or watch Elder Montoya’s talk from October 2022 general conference talk on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Elder Montoya’s talk centered around the eternal principle of love—specifically, God’s love for His children. Enhance your personal study of God’s love with more great quotes and stories below:
“Our living prophet is doing his part to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon. But he cannot open the floodgates alone. We must follow his lead.” —Elder Ronald A. Rasband
You can read or watch Elder Rasband’s talk from October 2022 general conference on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you need a boost to your personal commitment to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon, here are a few resources and inspiring stories that might help.
“This app is miraculous. It allows us to be better instruments in sharing God’s word with His people, wherever they are, in whatever language they speak.”
While abuse is a problem that extends far beyond the Latter-day Saint community, Church members who have worked within this space say Latter-day Saints can better engage in prevention.
“How do you teach the concept of consent to your children? That ‘no’ means ‘no,’ that our bodies are sacred and private, and that a child’s comfort and discomfort are important?”
“There is hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is hope for all in this life. There is hope to overcome our mistakes, our sorrows, our struggles, and our trials and our troubles. There is hope in repentance and being forgiven and in forgiving others.” —President M. Russell Ballard
You can read or watch President Ballard’s talk from October 2022 general conference on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
For more quotes about hope and inspiring stories of hopeful Latter-day Saints, check out these other great articles:
Ashly Stone was in rehab—again. Despite repeated efforts to overcome her vices and addictions, she seemed to be stuck in a spin cycle. But then something unlikely happened...
“The Lord requires us to forgive for our own good. But He does not ask us to do it without His help, His love, His understanding. Through our covenants with the Lord, we can each receive the strengthening power, guidance, and the help we need to both forgive and to be forgiven.” —Sister Kristin M. Yee
You can read all of Sister Yee’s conference talk here.
If you would like to continue studying forgiveness, the following articles may be a beneficial resource.
“No matter how capable, educated, brilliant, or strong we are, we cannot cleanse ourselves from our sins, change our bodies to an immortal state, or exalt ourselves. It is only possible through the Savior Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.” —Elder Paul V. Johnson
You can read Elder Johnson’s full conference talk here.
Find additional resources to continue your study on Jesus Christ's Atonement below.
“The restored gospel of Jesus Christ proclaims the principle of full partnership between woman and man, both in mortal life and in the eternities. Although each possesses specific attributes and divinely appointed responsibilities, woman and man fill equally relevant and essential roles in God’s plan of happiness for His children.” —Elder Ulisses Soares
"I often emphasize the truth that you do not simply 'find' the marriage you hope to have. Rather, you create it," Elder David A. Bednar shared on Instagram.
Happily ever after is often considered the stuff of fairy tales but Elder Lynn G. Robbins, general authority emeritus, says that love and happiness in most cases is a choice.
“Spending time with Jesus in the scriptures changed everything. We gained a deeper appreciation for who He was and what was important to Him. Together we considered how He taught, what He taught, the ways He showed love, what He did to bless and serve, His miracles, how He responded to betrayal, what He did with difficult human emotions, His titles and names, how He listened, how He resolved conflict, the world He lived in, His parables, how He encouraged unity and kindness, His capacity to forgive and to heal, His sermons, His prayers, His atoning sacrifice, His Resurrection, His gospel.” — Elder James W. McConkie III
A new interactive map of the Holy Land allows for a truly unique Come, Follow Me experience where families can—almost literally—follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
“The joy promised in the scriptures as the purpose of our existence should not be understood to mean that we will have no difficulties or sorrows.” —Elder Jorge F. Zeballos
You can read Elder Zeballos’s entire conference talk here.
Continue your study by reading the articles below.
Does God orchestrate our hardships in order to strengthen us spiritually? Or do all these bad things happen because we have fragile mortal bodies and mortality is just fraught with accidents?
“Let us leave judgment in the Lord’s hands and those He has commissioned and be content to love and treat each other the best we can.” —Elder D. Todd Christofferson
You can read Elder Christofferson’s entire general conference talk here.
Consider continuing your study by reading the articles below.
I’m not trying to love people into coming with me. I’m just loving people. They and God will figure out their journey; my job is to love them along the way.
“Beyond being simply a scientific or political necessity, the care of the earth and of our natural environment is a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by God, which should fill us with a deep sense of duty and humility. It is also an integral component of our discipleship.” —Bishop Gérald Caussé
“When your faith, your family, or your future are challenged—when you wonder why life is so hard when you are doing your best to live the gospel—remember that the Lord told us to expect troubles. Troubles are part of the plan and do not mean you’ve been abandoned; they are part of what it means to be His.” —Sister Michelle D. Craig
My 10-year-old pitches a different excuse every week to convince us it’s impossible for him to go to church. And while I want him to be there, the resistance is draining.
“The knowledge of the truth does not make us better than other people, but it teaches us what we must do to return to God’s presence.” —Elder Denelson Silva
You can read all of Elder Silva’s conference talk here.
In his talk, Elder Silva spoke about how he was first introduced to the Book of Mormon and encouraged others to share the gospel. No matter your age group, he said there are opportunities to serve in the work of the Lord. Here are some resources to inspire you as you seek out ways to proclaim the truth.
“Even with the increasing worldly influences around us, we need not fear. The Lord will never desert His covenant people.” —Elder Neil L. Andersen
You can read Elder Andersen’s full conference talk here.
In his address, Elder Andersen said that being a true disciple of Christ is “a sacred, ongoing process that grows and expands through the seasons of our lives, continuing until we kneel at His feet.” Here are some resources to inspire you in your ongoing process of discipleship.
I hope these eight points help you see that while you reverently prepare to enter, you can also feel thrilled at this opportunity. Welcome to my pep rally for the temple.
Conversion is a process we continue to experience each and every day as we center our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ and make His teachings a part of who we are.
“As we take up our crosses and follow Him, it would be tragic indeed if the weight of our challenges did not make us more empathetic for and more attentive to the burdens being carried by others.” —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
You can read all of Elder Holland’s conference talk here.
During Elder Holland’s talk, a picture of the Church’s symbol was highlighted. The symbol includes an image of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue. You can learn more about the symbol and the Christus statue below.
In April 2020 general conference, President Nelson announced a new symbol for the Church. The prophet’s explanation for the new symbol is in harmony with his call for correct usage of the name of the Church—it is a refocusing on Christ.
In a video on Y Magazine’s YouTube channel, John W. Welch discusses the significance of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue in Copenhagen’s Church of Our Lady.
This awe-inspiring cultured marble Christus statue depicts Jesus Christ just as the scriptures describe Him, beckoning to us with open arms in a most pleasant manner, as if saying: “Come unto me.”
“How often do we judge others based on their outward appearance and actions, or lack of action, when, if we fully understood, we would instead react with compassion and a desire to help instead of adding to their burdens with our judgment?” —Sister J. Anette Dennis
Find Sister Dennis’s entire general conference address here.
Sister Dennis is serving as First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. Learn more the new presidency and find other resources related to her talk below.
The new Primary General Presidency began their service on August 1, 2022. We are excited to learn from these inspiring women! Here are four facts about each member of the presidency.
According to researchers, most people show and receive love in one of five ways—quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, receiving gifts, and acts of service. But did Christ use any or all of these “love languages” with his disciples?
“‘Happy and forever’ are not the imaginary stuff of fairy tales. True, enduring joy and eternity with those we love are the very essence of God’s plan of happiness. His lovingly prepared way can make our eternal journey happy and forever.” —Elder Gerrit W. Gong
You can read all of Elder Gong’s conference talk here.
In his general conference talk, Elder Gong spoke of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance, forgiveness, temples, covenants, and more. Here are some resources to help you learn more about these subjects.
Apostles and prophets bear witness to Christ and His divine mission. Here are some favorite quotes from these Church leaders about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
“Yes, God our Heavenly Father lives, and He manifests Himself to us all the time in multiple ways.” —Elder Joseph W. Sitati
You can read Elder Sitati’s full conference talk here.
In his talk, Elder Sitati shared patterns of discipleship. Those patterns included faith, humility, love, and service. Here are some resources to help you develop those patterns in your life.
“The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.”
“It is one thing to ‘hear Him’ in a quiet place of contemplation with scriptures wide open. But it is quite another thing to carry our discipleship into this mortal flurry of distractions, where we must strive to ‘hear Him’ even through the blur of self-concern and faltering confidence.” —President Steven J. Lund
You can read President Lund’s full conference talk here.
In his general conference talk, President Lund spoke on the topic of lasting discipleship. He encouraged listeners to continue praying often, read the scriptures, and to serve sincerely. He also testified that by “trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and His covenant path, we can find spiritual confidence and peace as we nurture holy habits and righteous routines that can sustain and fuel the fires of our faith.” Here are more resources about spiritual confidence
“In a world where the adversary wants the youth distracted, discouraged, and discontent it is more crucial than ever for our youth to understand their divine identity and their purpose in Heavenly Father’s plan.”
“The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn.” —Elder David A. Bednar
You can read Elder Bednar’s full conference message here.
During his address, Elder Bednar said that “the Savior’s parables are stories used to compare spiritual truths with material things and mortal experiences.” He also shared the importance of the parable of the royal marriage feast. Here are other resources that discuss parables that you can add to your study of Elder Bednar’s talk.
“The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power—power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better.” —President Russell M. Nelson
You can read all of President Nelson’s address here.
President Nelson shared three fundamental questions in his general conference talk:
What does it mean to overcome the world?
How do we do it?
How does overcoming the world bless our lives?
The prophet shared that overcoming the world includes trusting in the doctrine of Christ, refraining from doing things that drive away the Spirit, giving away our sins, and loving God and Jesus Christ more than anyone or anything else.
Overcoming the world, the prophet continued, happens over a lifetime. But as we strive to live the higher laws of Christ, He “lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and rest.” President Nelson added that overcoming the world will “makes everything about life easier.”
Here are more resources to help you in your efforts to overcome the world.
Teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and simply beautiful. They are understood by the humble, yet they can excite the intellect of the brightest minds.
“The Savior knows your struggles in detail. He knows your great potential to grow in faith, hope, and charity.” —President Henry B. Eyring
You can read President Eyring’s full conference message here.
In his address, President Eyring spoke about the trials of life:
“As my mother told me when I complained of how hard something was, ‘Oh, Hal, of course it’s hard. It’s supposed to be. Life is a test.’
“She could say that calmly, even with a smile, because she knew two things. Regardless of the struggle, what would matter most would be to arrive at home to be with her Heavenly Father. And she knew she could do it through faith in her Savior.”
Check out the resources below to explore more about enduring trials:
A new video released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares a powerful reminder from President Russell M. Nelson about enduring life’s trials.
Does God orchestrate our hardships in order to strengthen us spiritually? Or do all these bad things happen because we have fragile mortal bodies and mortality is just fraught with accidents?
Suppose you were teaching a class of Israelite youth in biblical times and posed the question: “What is a covenant?” Would they have responded that a covenant is a two-way promise? Probably not.
“‘Which of Jesus’s names should I take upon myself this week?’ Answering that question and striving to develop the related Christlike attributes has blessed my life.” —Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt
You can read Elder Schmitt’s full conference message here.
Explore Elder Schmitt’s question more by reading about Emily Belle Freeman’s similar experience:
I sit on my pew, heart heavy and storm raging. In the prayer over the bread I am reminded that I have covenanted to take His name, and my soul is caught up in the wondering about this.
“Do you desire to disperse the clouds of confusion caused by an overabundance of information in order to focus more singularly on the covenant path? Please try the virtue of the word of God.” —Elder Mark D. Eddy
Read Elder Eddy’s entire general conference talk here.
Here are a few ideas for improving your scripture study and trying the virtue of the word of God:
Testimonies of the gospel are as diverse as the people who hold them. Everyone experiences the conversion process differently, and everyone has different experiences that build their testimonies.
“While some challenges may come because of willful disobedience, we know that many of life’s challenges come because of other reasons. Whatever the source of our challenges, they can be a golden opportunity to grow.” —Elder Isaac K. Morrison
Read all of Elder Morrison’s conference message here.
The resources below can help you explore the reasons we face trials in life.
“Please make up your mind that regardless of whether your parents did or did not abuse you, you will not physically or verbally or emotionally abuse your spouse or children.” —Elder Quentin L. Cook
You can read and study all of Elder Cook’s conference talk here.
Read the articles below for powerful insights about dealing with abuse:
My father was abusive to me as a child. He’s expressed remorse, but I don’t really want to be around him. He accuses me of holding a grudge. Am I in the wrong?
“It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the people at the temple. It is His house. It is filled with His power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us.” —President Russell M. Nelson
You can read President Nelson’s entire conference talk here.
And check out the resources below to help you not “lose sight” of the blessings of the temple.
I hope these eight points help you see that while you reverently prepare to enter, you can also feel thrilled at this opportunity. Welcome to my pep rally for the temple.
The invitation for mortals to enter the presence of God and secure a fullness of His blessings did not originate with Joseph Smith. In fact, it’s a theme as old as mankind.
The General Conference Addresses Journal Edition will have all the text of the April 2023 general conference addresses in one spiral-bound paperback. Extra-wide, lined margins give you space to record your impressions and to document the insights you receive. Create an enduring record to make the inspired teachings of general conference an ongoing part of your gospel learning.
