from the talk, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" General Conference October 2009
"The assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is power, beyond your spiritual capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness."
"essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the spirit."
"Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it."
"I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you."
"Have patience as you are perfecting your ability to be led by the Spirit. By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance."
from the talk, "Temple Worship: "The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need" General Conference April 2009
"Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan."
"What a joy it is to be able to participate in the work of a temple!"
"We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives."
"When we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent."
from the talk, "Honor the Priesthood and Use it Well" General Conference October 2008
"The priesthood we hold is a delegated portion of the eternal authority of God."
"Equal partnership yields its greatest benefit when both husband and wife seek the will of the Lord in making important decisions for themselves and their family."
"The purpose of priesthood authority is to give, to serve, to lift, to inspire."
from the talk, "To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse" General Conference April 2008
"Healing comes through the unwavering love of Heavenly Father for each of His children."
"Recognize that if you have feelings that you are not loved by your Father in Heaven, you are being manipulated by Satan.
"Even when it may seem difficult to pray, kneel and ask Father in Heaven to give you the capacity to trust Him and to feel His love for you. Ask to come to know that His son can heal you through His merciful Atonement."
"Do not fear- for fear is a tool Satan will use to keep you suffering. The Lord will help you, but you must reach out for that help."
from the talk, "Truth: "The foundation of Correct Decisions" General Conference October 2007
"The best way of finding truth is simply to go to the origin of all truth and ask or respond to inspiration."
"A knowledge of truth is of little value unless we apply it in making correct decisions."
"I testify that neither Satan nor any other power can weaken or destroy your growing character. Only you can do that through disobedience."
for more quotes about character from Elder Scott read the talk, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character" General Conference October 2010
from the talk, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" General Conference April 2007
"Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance."
"Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace."
"A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you."
"Pray even when you have no desire to pray."
"Never feel you are too unworthy to pray."
"Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution, as well as ample expression of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings."
"Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, as times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers."
"Seldom will you receive a complete response all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity."
"He will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart."
"You should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and strengthened. His pattern causes you to grow."
"Your life will be easier when you accept that what God does in your life is for your eternal good."
from the talk, "The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness" General Conference October 2006
"The Redeemer will safely lead you over the most difficult obstacles of life. His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection that dispel fear and assure success in an otherwise dangerous world. Such a life will certainly provide you peace and happiness."
"True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ."
"Pondering the grandeur of the Atonement evokes the most profound feelings of awe, immense gratitude, and deep humility. Those impressions can provide you powerful motivation to keep His commandments and consistently repent of errors for greater peace and happiness."
from the talk, "Now is the Time to Serve a Mission!" General Conference April 2006
"Children are best taught gospel truths in the home where instruction can be adapted to the age and capacity of each child. In the home the whole armor of truth is tailor fit to the individual characteristics of each child."
"I urge you not to pray to know whether you should go; rather, ask the Lord to guide you in whatever may be necessary to become worthy, empowered full-time missionary. You will never regret serving a mission, but you most probably will regret not serving if that is your choice,"
from the talk, "Truth Restored" General Conference October 2005
"This yearning for spiritual guidance is a consequence of our being children of a divine Heavenly Father."
"You were taught and prepared for the circumstances you would personally encounter in mortality."
"The vast majority of Father's children have not only forgotten their Father in Heaven and the purpose of mortal life, but they rarely even think of Him nor ponder for what purpose they are here in mortality. They have been led to be absorbed by mundane things that distract them from the essential ones. Don't make that mistake."
"It is not sufficient to have a vague understanding of truth or the reality of the Father and His son, our Savior. Each of us must come to know who They really are. You must feel how very much They love you. You must trust that as you consistently live the truth the best you can, They will help you realize the purpose of your earth life and strengthen you to qualify for the blessings promised."
from the talk, "The Power of Preach My Gospel" General Conference April 2005
"The values which form the bedrock foundation of society are being assaulted by Satan and his allies."
"Preach My Gospel contains chapters that give extremely valuable information on how to recognize and understand the guidance of the Holy Spirit."
from the talk, "Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind" General Conference October 2004
"Peace of conscience relates to your inner self and is controlled by what you personally do. Peace of conscience can come only from God through a righteous, obedient life. It can not exist otherwise."
"Your efforts will be stepping-stones to greater personal growth as Spirit-guided solutions are found."
"Satan will press you to continue to relive the details of past mistakes, knowing that such thoughts make forgiveness seem unattainable."
from the talk, "How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil" General Conference April 2004
"You have a choice. You can wring your hands and be consumed with concern for future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil."
"We cannot dry up the mounting river of evil influences, for they result from the exercise of moral agency divinely granted by our Father. But we can and must, with clarity, warn of the consequences of getting close to its enticing, destructive current."
"God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His plan of happiness."
"As you continue to center your mind and heart in Him, He will help you have a rich and full life no matter what happens around you."
"Have you noticed how Satan works to capture the mind and emotions with flashing images, blaring music, and the stimulation of every physical sense to excess? He diligently strives to fill life with action, entertainment, and stimulation so that one cannot ponder the consequences of his tempting invitation."
"though life may seem difficult now, hold on to that iron rod of truth. You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey Their commandments. You are so important. You are so needed. There are so few willing to make the sacrifice you are making to live righteously. You can develop the sensitivity, love and kindness to gain supreme happiness."
"Know that God is in control. . . God has a specific plan for your life. He will reveal parts of that plan to you as you look for it with faith and consistent obedience."
from the talk, "Realize Your Full Potential" General Conference October 2003
"How are you cultivating that potential? . . I encourage you to discover who you really are. I invite you to look beyond the daily routine of life. I urge you to discern through the Spirit your divinely given capacities."
"When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you."
"When was anything really worthwhile easy?"
"As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give a son or daughter is to consistently nurture a growing testimony of truth, patiently nurturing each child's spiritual capacity."
"When you really understand who you are, it is not difficult to resist Satan's temptations."
from the talk, "The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing" General conference April 2003
"His plan of happiness is conceived so that we will have challenges, even difficulties, where decisions of great importance must be made so that we can grow, develop, and succeed in this mortal probation."
"There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises."
"The Lord knows your needs. When you ask with honesty and real intent, He will prompt you to do that which will increase your ability to act in faith."
from the talk, "To Be Free of Heavy Burdens" General Conference October 2002
"Many of you suffer needlessly from carrying heavy burdens because you do not open your hearts to the healing power of the Lord."
"Earn enduring joy now from a clean and purposeful life."
"You must trust that the Savior has given His life so that you can make the required changes in your life, changes that will bring peace and the illusive success that always seem beyond reach."
"Satan strives to convince one that sins can be hidden from others, yet it is he that causes them to be revealed in the most compromising circumstances. His objective is the enslavement of God's children. All of his enticing, alluring temptations have as their root the destruction of the individual."
"Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through His atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved."
from the talk, "Full Conversion Brings Happiness" General Conference April 2002
"As painful as that confirmation of prophecy must have been for Peter, [Luke 22:56-62] his life began to change forever. He became that unwavering, rock-solid servant essential to the plan of the Father after the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Savior. . . Therefore Peter rose to the full stature of his calling. He taught with power and unshakable testimony despite threats, imprisonment, and beatings. He was truly converted."
"Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life."
"True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the circumstances."
"How completely you willingly embrace the teachings of the Savior determines how much fruit, as blessings, you will harvest."
from the talk, "The Power of a Strong Testimony" General Conference October 2001
"A strong testimony is the unshakable foundation of a secure, meaningful life where peace, confidence, happiness, and love can flourish. It is anchored in a conviction that an all-knowing God is in command of His work. He will not fail. He will keep His promises."
"A strong testimony is the sustaining power of a successful life."
"As you fortify your own personal testimony, you will have power to make correct choices so that you can stand unwavering against the pressures of an increasingly vicious world. Your personal security and happiness depend upon the strength of your testimony, for it will guide your actions in times of trial or uncertainty."
"The Lord will hear your prayers in time of need. He will invariably answer the. However, His answers will generally not come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. There is a pattern that must be followed. You are asked to look for an answer to your prayers, then confirm that it is correct. . . Often you will think of a solution. Then seek confirmation that your answer if right. This help can come from prayer and from pondering the scriptures, at times by the intervention of others, or from your own capacity, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit."
"At times the Lord will want you to proceed with trust before you receive a confirming answer. His answer generally comes as packets of help. As each piece is followed by faith, it will unite with others to give you the whole answer. This pattern requires the exercise of faith. While sometimes very hard, it results in significant personal growth."
"Hone your spiritual susceptibility by being constantly alert to the guidance that will come through the still, small voice of the spirit. Let your Father in Heaven know of your feelings, your needs, your concerns, your hopes, and aspirations. Speak to Him with total confidence, knowing that He will hear and respond. Then patiently go forth in your life doing those things you know are correct, walking with confidence born of faith and righteousness, patiently waiting for the response that will come in the manner and at the time the Lord considers most appropriate."
from the talk, "First Things First" General Conference April 2001
"Are there so many fascinating, exciting, things to do or so many challenges pressing down upon you that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential?"
"When things of the world crowd in, all too often the wrong things take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purpose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with "good things" so there is no room for the essential ones."
"Seek to know the will of the Lord, not just what is convenient or what makes life easy."
from the talk, "The Path to Peace and Joy" General Conference October 2000
"Repentance is not optional."
"Each one of us is commanded to both repent and to call upon God continually throughout life."
"Are you taking full advantage of the redeeming power of repentance in your life so that you can have greater peace."
"The Lord expects a lifelong commitment to obey the plan of happiness, including continuing repentance as needed."
"Peace is the precious fruit of a righteous life. It is possible to because of the Atonement of the Savior. It is earned through full repentance, for that leads to refreshing forgiveness. Repentance opens the door of enlightenment and aids inspiration."
"How difficult it must be for Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, to see so many needlessly suffer, because His gift of repentance is ignored. It must pain Him deeply to see the pointless agony both in this life and beyond the veil that accompany the unrepentant sinner after all He did so that we need not suffer."
from the talk, "The Sanctity of Womanhood" General Conference April 2000
"Satan has unleashed a seductive campaign to undermine the sanctity of womanhood, to deceive the daughters of God and divert them from their divine destiny."
"He [Satan] would focus their interests solely on their physical attributes and rob them of their exalting roles as wives and mothers."
"Let the Lord guide you in ways that will enrich your marriage."
