Hear Ye the Words of the Prophet (1 Ne. 19:24)

As Nephi closes out the final chapters in his first book, he is trying to convince his brothers (and his readers) about the reality of Jesus Christ’s atonement, and how His plan will unfold with regards to all of God’s children. He discusses the Jews, the Gentiles, and those who ‘broke off’ or were scattered—covering all humanity and how they fit into God’s plan. Quoting many prophets, and then introducing two transcribed chapters of Isaiah, he counsels, “Hear ye the words of the prophet.”

What a simple, yet profoundly powerful statement! It has many connotations, doesn’t it? In one sense, we hear him saying something like, “Hey, slow down and listen to what the prophets have written.” On a deeper level, he may be telling us, “Okay, you’ve listened, but have you really heard what the Lord is telling you?” Ultimately, I believe he wants us to listen intently, to a degree that compels us to act with more purpose. No matter who we are, or what our ‘level’ of spiritual understanding or commitment, we can try to better ‘hear’ the words of the prophets, both ancient and modern.

In April, 2008, my family and I watched the Latter-day Saint Semi-Annual General Conference on TV, as we always do. As usual, the multi-day conference concluded with a short address by the President of the Church, whom Mormons appreciate as our leader and as a prophet whom God inspires and directs to lead our Church. In this case, it was Thomas S. Monson’s first General Conference as President of the Church; the beloved Gordon B. Hinckley, his predecessor, had died a couple months earlier.

I heard President Monson speak clearly and powerfully, in a way that was incredibly warm and loving and, interestingly, almost chastising, but with love, kindness, and sincerity. I felt like his words were directing me to make some needed changes in how I dealt with my family and spent my time. The words were succinct, powerful, and again, they seemed directed at me! During these last few minutes of Conference, I could barely contain the emotions that filled me; feelings of appreciation for God and my family, and for this special experience. I quietly stepped out of the family room and prayed, giving thanks, repenting, and resolving to do what the prophet was challenging me to do. I was moved beyond words.

On its own, that experience was sufficient to solidify my testimony that God loves us enough to send special witnesses like these. However, as if He wanted to make sure I got the message, there was further Heavenly confirmation to come. A week or so later, when I read the transcript online of President Monson’s talk, and even when I watched replays of it on video, much of the message I had heard was not there. The remarks, as I later read them, were uplifting, and they certainly contained wonderful sentiments, but they did not contain the loving, corrective direction I had heard on that previous Sunday. I believe that initial counsel had been meant for me, and had been delivered by the power of the Holy Ghost.

The specific things I heard that day were absolutely not heard in subsequent reviewing of this address, and I know with all my heart that the words were not manufactured by my own imagination or emotion. Seven years later, my witness of that event, and my appreciation for Nephi’s counsel to “hear the words of the prophet,” are only deeper and stronger.

What can we all do to better hear the words of the prophet today?