This week on social: President Holland reflects on power of prayer

This week on social media, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posted messages on prayer, ministering, the Book of Mormon, and the peace and strength that come from the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said in a video he posted that he developed a deeper understanding of the ability of prayer after Church members prayed on his behalf last 12 months as he underwent serious medical treatment.

President Holland’s remarks were made during a Jan 20 leadership meeting in Arizona.

“It’s been a powerful experience to be a recipient of prayer, of individuals asking for something for another person, for somebody they hardly know and to see that realized,” Elder Holland said.

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson shared the second in an ongoing series of stories submitted by Relief Society members worldwide about after they received relief.

Laurie Low shared a story a couple of time a ward member ministered to her in a straightforward but meaningful way by helping her fold laundry.

“It was such a small act, and yet it has stayed with me over many years,” Low said, “Someone saw a necessity and acted on it, without being asked.”

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared an experience of showing his 3-year-old great-grandson the placement of a lighthouse on a map, explaining the aim of the structure is to assist people “find the fitting way, even within the darkest hours of the night.” His grandson later referred back to the lighthouse as “the temple.”

“Thanks to folks and the numerous teachers who help our kids recognize the Light of Christ wherever it could shine,” Elder Uchtdorf said.

Following the Jan. 28 worldwide youth discussion on discipleship, the Young Women general presidency — President Emily Belle Freeman, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Munoz Spannaus — asked participants to comment where they’re from, where they met, what their favorite a part of the discussion was and what they learned.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a video by which he invited everyone to “engage in acts of learning and repair” with people of other faiths.

“I’m convinced we are able to all live together peacefully as we love God and follow the Golden Rule — treating others as we ourselves need to be treated,” he said.

Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor within the Primary general presidency, shared how Mount Carmel in Israel is nourished day by day by tiny amounts of dew, allowing it to stay green year-round. Reflecting on the impact of “small and easy things (Alma 37:6),” she posed the query, “How do you seek to nourish your soul day by day?”

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that, despite the increasing contention on the planet today, people can find personal peace in Jesus Christ.

“Gently the Savior reminds us,” Elder Cook said, “‘Learn of me, and take heed to my words; walk within the meekness of my Spirit, and also you shall have peace in me’ (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23).”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his testimony that no other book of scripture compares to the Book of Mormon’s witness of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

“It is the word of God, and ‘the virtue of the word of God’ (Alma 31:5) is that it produces faith within the Savior — faith that pushes out the doubt, depression and anxiety that may otherwise overwhelm us, and leaving of their place strength and reassurance,” Elder Christofferson wrote.

Speaking to participants of the Jan. 28 worldwide youth discussion on discipleship, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited them to develop a greater understanding of the 2024 youth theme and to use the attributes of discipleship “over and yet again.”

“Jesus Christ is the right example for us to follow,” Elder Stevenson said, “Let us all strive to change into more dedicated disciples this 12 months.”

In a video made during a recent trip to Cambodia, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and testified that the infinite power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all injustice and tragedy.

“Everything that’s unfair about life can and will probably be made right by the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Elder Renlund said, paraphrasing “Preach My Gospel.”

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a video telling the story of a Jewish rabbi who asked his two friends how they know that a latest day has begun.

After the 2 gave their answers, he responded, “When you may look into the east and see the face of a girl or the face of a person and might say, ‘she is my sister, he’s my brother.’”

Elder Soares assured his social media followers that their days will shine brighter after they treat others as their brothers and sisters.

In a video posted on Young Men Worldwide, Young Men General President Steven J. Lund spoke on the advantages of age-group progression — a policy instituted by the Church in 2019 that permits young men to be ordained to a latest priesthood office the 12 months they turn the suitable age, versus waiting until their birthday.

Among the positive results, President Lund said, is that young men can progress together, like a team. He urged ward leaders to think now about what they will do to prepare and train latest Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young Women classes so that they are higher prepared to advance together.

Sunday School General President Mark L. Pace outlined the actions the prophet Nephi and Church President Joseph F. Smith each took before they received their individual visions as recorded in 1 Nephi 11 and Doctrine and Covenants 138, respectively.

In each patterns applied by the prophets, they pondered and faithfully sought a greater understanding of spiritual things that they had recently read or heard.

“We need to do the spiritual work ourselves,” President Pace said, “No one can do that for us.”

Brother Jan E. Newman, second counselor within the Sunday School general presidency, shared examples of religion demonstrated by the prophet Nephi within the Book of Mormon. He then asked his social media followers the next questions:

• What is your favorite example of religion within the Book of Mormon?
• What do you do to acknowledge when the Spirit speaks to you?
• How has faith in Jesus Christ helped you face life’s challenges?