LDS Freedom Forum

Church News
Published: Saturday, March 10, 2012


Our moral support inclines to any and all in positions of high responsibility as they exercise integrity. Particular support is proffered to those in positions of high responsibility within the Church. Local leaders as well as General Officers can be recipients of our support and prayers.

Especially should we remember the general governing bodies, including the Presiding Bishopric, Quorums of the Seventy, Quorum of the Twelve and the First Presidency. They shoulder heavy burdens of responsibility and need our prayers.

Perhaps metaphoric of these burdens is a cameo of one of the Twelve at an airport, glimpsed hurrying to a distant gate down a long concourse, empty but for himself, the last to board. In his hand he lugs a briefcase stuffed to capacity. His face shows a more-than-slight desperation. He's just left people with high expectations. At the other end of the journey wait others with high expectations, and a long and tight itinerary.

Undoubtedly, he has been detained by some pressing matter. Undoubtedly, he will use the air time to prepare for what is ahead. Undoubtedly, he hurries toward that distant gate with a nagging shortage of sleep.

Such is the life of an apostle.

On a yet higher pinnacle is the president of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson. Upon his shoulders is conveyed the heaviest cargo of all.

Like mythical Atlas, he carries the world upon his back. But where the mythical giant hefted the physical weight of earth and seas, our prophet leader bears the greater spiritual weight of being a beacon of righteousness and a carrier of the divine will to a darkening, rejecting world.

Never has the adversary been more powerful. Never have members of the Church been more at risk. And he who stands at the helm of the ship of the Church is more anxious and aware of this than any other living soul.

As a Church, we will not fail. As individuals, we are as strong only as our willpower at our weakest moments. No mortal knows our weakest moments or is more deeply concerned than the president of the Church.

Surely we, as members of the Church, do well to offer our support at such critical times. In the closing session of last October's general conference, President Monson spoke "with all the feeling of a tender parent" (1 Nephi 8:37). Said he: "I love you; I pray for you. I would ask once again that you would remember me and all the General Authorities in your prayers. We are one with you in moving forward this marvelous work. I testify to you that we are all in this together and that every man, woman, and child has a part to play. May God give us the strength and the ability and the determination to play our part well" (Ensign, November 2011, p. 109).

The words of a hymn by Evan Stephens (1854-1930) convey our heartfelt prayer for "our prophet dear."

We ever pray for thee with all our hearts

That strength be given thee to do thy part,

To guide and counsel us from day to day,

To shed a holy light around our way (Hymns, No. 23).

As we pray for our prophet and his associates, let us also consider their families. For the most part, their children are successfully reared when the call comes to serve on a full-time basis. Yet so often, travel assignments come irrespective of the needs of family members. And each is the head of generations who are not at all secure. Spouses of General Authorities and General Officers sacrifice for the gospel in ways largely unknown to average members.

When President Monson tells us, "I love you; I pray for you," he speaks to each of us, individually. He speaks to us as parent and child; to our family. When we pray for him, let us remember his faithful and sacrificing family who mean so much to him. And so it is with all the Brethren and General Officers. Their families are precious to them, even as they leave once again to the airport en route to another extended trip.

They are, to a man and woman, deeply concerned for our families. As we pray for them, let us include their families in our prayers.

"I leave with you my witness and my testimony that God our Eternal Father lives and loves us," continued President Monson. "He is indeed our Father, and He is personal and real. May we realize and understand how close to us He is willing to come, how far He is willing to go to help us, how much He loves us, and how much He does and is willing to do for us.

"May He bless you. May His promised peace be with you now and always."

Thanks for the post. We make that a daily habit, to pray for our leaders for the ward level up to President Monson. These men and women works hours upon hours for our behalf.

karen2cruise wrote:Thanks for the post. We make that a daily habit, to pray for our leaders for the ward level up to President Monson. These men and women works hours upon hours for our behalf.

And can you even believe they way our Church prospers? I knew when I was in Primary that my teachers were telling me the truth. As you can see by my posts, I'm not a follower. I have a very strong will. But when I hear the truth, my heart become tender.
I thank thee oh God for a Prophet. :ymhug:

Thanks for this, Juliette. Especially before Conference time, but many other times too, I feel prompted to pray for the Brethren and Sisters who will speak to the Latter-day Saints. I pray for their safety and for the Lord's Spirit to guide them.

DrJones wrote:Thanks for this, Juliette. Especially before Conference time, but many other times too, I feel prompted to pray for the Brethren and Sisters who will speak to the Latter-day Saints. I pray for their safety and for the Lord's Spirit to guide them.

You are welcome Dr. Jones. I am certainly enjoying being in Temple Square right now!

Juliette wrote:
On a yet higher pinnacle is the president of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson. Upon his shoulders is conveyed the heaviest cargo of all.

Like mythical Atlas, he carries the world upon his back. But where the mythical giant hefted the physical weight of earth and seas, our prophet leader bears the greater spiritual weight of being a beacon of righteousness and a carrier of the divine will to a darkening, rejecting world.

Never has the adversary been more powerful. Never have members of the Church been more at risk. And he who stands at the helm of the ship of the Church is more anxious and aware of this than any other living soul.

As a Church, we will not fail. As individuals, we are as strong only as our willpower at our weakest moments. No mortal knows our weakest moments or is more deeply concerned than the president of the Church.

Wow! Just Wow! I thought this article was a joke until I looked it up in the LDS news archives.

Who again is the object of worship?

Who conveyed the heaviest cargo of us all?

Who is the beacon of righteousness?

Who stands at the helm of the ship? - Well, if it is Pres. Monson as this suggest, then I am free to openly criticize him because he is not my God.

Who actually created the earth and seas, unlike the mythical Atlas?

If you don't believe the church cannot fail, then you have not read Christ's words in 3 Nephi 16:10. The church WILL reject the fulness of the gospel. You can only secure salvation individually.

"No mortal knows..." What is this crap? Who are you worshiping?

There was not one mention of our Savior in this article. It is no wonder people think we are not Christian.

Look, I think Pres. Monson is a good guy, but this is utter garbage. Christ is the one who atoned for my sins. He conveyed the heaviest cargo, stands at the helm, is more anxious of my welfare, and is most deeply concerned.

ATL Wake wrote:

Juliette wrote:
On a yet higher pinnacle is the president of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson. Upon his shoulders is conveyed the heaviest cargo of all.

Like mythical Atlas, he carries the world upon his back. But where the mythical giant hefted the physical weight of earth and seas, our prophet leader bears the greater spiritual weight of being a beacon of righteousness and a carrier of the divine will to a darkening, rejecting world.

Never has the adversary been more powerful. Never have members of the Church been more at risk. And he who stands at the helm of the ship of the Church is more anxious and aware of this than any other living soul.

As a Church, we will not fail. As individuals, we are as strong only as our willpower at our weakest moments. No mortal knows our weakest moments or is more deeply concerned than the president of the Church.

Wow! Just Wow! I thought this article was a joke until I looked it up in the LDS news archives.

Who again is the object of worship?

Who conveyed the heaviest cargo of us all?

Who is the beacon of righteousness?

Who stands at the helm of the ship? - Well, if it is Pres. Monson as this suggest, then I am free to openly criticize him because he is not my God.

Who actually created the earth and seas, unlike the mythical Atlas?

If you don't believe the church cannot fail, then you have not read Christ's words in 3 Nephi 16:10. The church WILL reject the fulness of the gospel. You can only secure salvation individually.

"No mortal knows..." What is this crap? Who are you worshiping?

There was not one mention of our Savior in this article. It is no wonder people think we are not Christian.

Look, I think Pres. Monson is a good guy, but this is utter garbage. Christ is the one who atoned for my sins. He conveyed the heaviest cargo, stands at the helm, is more anxious of my welfare, and is most deeply concerned.

President Monson is a good guy? This was in the church news and you call it garbage? God and Christ are directing President Monson. Prophet, Seer and Revelator. I am thinking about Conference in a few days. Take a deep breath!

98 And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world;

99 For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas.

100 These are they who say they are some of one and some of another—some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch;

101 But received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the beverlasting covenant.

102 Last of all, these all are they who will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto the church of the Firstborn, and received into the cloud.

Man people have a lot of animosity on this site. I took it as," keep the church leaders in our prayers". Its hard to post anything , without offending. :-\ Thanks Juliette.

PunaGabe wrote:Man people have a lot of animosity on this site. I took it as," keep the church leaders in our prayers". Its hard to post anything , without offending. :-\ Thanks Juliette.

I am not offended, I am deeply saddened that we have strayed so far. I have no problem with keeping the church leaders in our prayers-I do.

But this language is over the top, "conveyed the heaviest cargo of all ... mythical Atlas, he carries the world upon his back... bears the greater spiritual weight of being a beacon of righteousness and a carrier of the divine will... he who stands at the helm ... is more anxious and aware of this than any other living soul... No mortal knows..."

Come on! Can we be a little humble about our leaders.

Think about how much harder it will be for Pres. Monson to be humble and not lifted up into pride after reading this article. I am NOT saying Pres. Monson is proud, but he is a man, he has temptations. Are we making it easier or harder on him by lavishing such praise and high expectations?

Pray for our leaders, yes, describe them as one would describe our Lord - No.

PunaGabe wrote:Man people have a lot of animosity on this site. I took it as," keep the church leaders in our prayers". Its hard to post anything , without offending. :-\ Thanks Juliette.

I can see his point

Having been to anti web sites i’ve read the comments by people there, along the lines of “man, you wouldn’t believe the hornet i have stirred at LDSFF, they’re all blowing up over...(insert issue of the day)”

Some of them perhaps suggest they write from the perspective of being an active LDS to make their argument appear more persuasive

But that is besides

I can see the point of his post and agree with the thrust of it.

To be honest, when i hear the words “pray for us” come from the President of the Church’s mouth, I feel it, am inspired by it, and feel encouraged to remember to do it

But When i (first) read it in that overly written smug sounding press released written by a person who is paid to preach (as far as I am concerned LDS church employed journalists are) it read like a puff piece, a propaganda piece with a deliberate angle agreed upon before the story was written. And the message possibly isn’t pray for us either.

it was also full of the ridiculous flowerly language full of superlatives that every contributor to the Ensign reverts to which is as nauseating as it is off putting. it is not how humans communicate and detracts from the actual message.

Which is why i don’t read or go to church news. It is written by people who have a job to keep. I’d rather read the scriptures. President of the Church Hickley told us the Book of Mormon was as good as a daily newspaper.

In the instance of church paid and employed journalists, I think they get too close to the people they cover.

Reading of a poor GA and his briefcase racing across airports to meetings I actually found disappointing

We are sold on the “prophets of old” ideal, and here we have businessmen scurrying through airports (whatever happened to skype but that’s not always practical I know)

surely no one could read about the poor prophet and his burden and not scratch their head? this is not the lDS leaders I know, i dont know of them with burdens? i thought christ said this will free us? i thought he said my burden will be light if i follow him,. i thought he promised us HE would bear our yoke for us?

i thought we work our salvation out with fear and trembling. not are saved by man

we all serve and all have burdens. will the church journalist write an article about how my burden is hard and how the young men in my ward...not that i boast?

This is another problem

In times old, they were prophets, seers and revelators.

Joseph smith was THE prophet, and fair enough

Then they became "President of the church", such as Brigham Young. The power of the keys rested with the 12 and so on

Then in the 50s we had a marketing department overhaul or something like that) and all of the sudden we have THE prophet. And, LOL, they all get middle initials, which is more marketing if it isn’t to differentiate you from a same name relative.i encourage any of you to think of these men, fellow servants, without their middle initials

why is joseph smith just joseph smith? why do people feel sin ful calling him thomas monson, gordon hinckley? is it like we feel naked saying it?

as far as i ever read Joseph SMith was happy with Brother Smith

when did we lose sight of fellow-servant, and deify man?

which is what we are getting in this article

NO man is a beacon of righteousness. NO man. let us NEVER ever forget that. No man but Christ

Myths of Atlas to compare to a prophet of god? eegods. is that where we are going? man god on earth? a prophet, a man? man is just a vessel for gods will. we serve the lord and obey his message though his servants

I am very glad I do not know these (great) men and do not live in Utah or SLC. First so they aren’t disturbed from doing their job by me, and second, I believe that my faith in the church would be weaken. Actually, let me restate that...my faith IN CHRIST would be weakened, and this because I would be living in a bubble a victim of the LDS cult of personality which has pervaded much of the membership of the church (in my opinion) and is present on this site as an example.

Next Sunday is fast Sunday for us here. We don’t get to have Gen conference on the Passover and coming into the wax of Easter. We get the DVDs a week later.

I challenge you not in the USA who have to wait the week also (surely the church can stream this live to us around the world?) to listen to the fast Sunday "Storimonies" you will hear this weekend. Count references to TSM, how excited you are about general conference, and “Elder” Mitt Romney and how he will lift the church out of obscurity. Compare to how often you hear Christ mentioned from the pulpit.

Then go to the book of mormon (THE most correct- not that anyone understand what correct means) book on earth, and read about the Rameumpton

I understand why they need us to include them in our prayers.


that so many of us deify man and so readily forget the lord i n all that we do speaks volumes for where we as a church have progressed

perhaps when many will go for a walk between sessions on saturday in the new mall, opened just in time for the general conference, they will reflect on that. maybe thats why they wanted it opened before GC, so when people look down on the city from the conference centre they will look at a temple and then past it to the temple of they might be dedicating to mammon, and reflect on who they serve

I am glad for the reminder to pray for the brethren Juliette. They truly have a lot of responsibility, and burden I would not care to have and I know the Lord does strengthen them largely because of the prayers in their behalf. That said, I'm with ATL and Aussie, this article should have ended after the second paragraph. I am reminded of a talk Pres Uckdorf gave a little while back where he talked about a trip he was on with Pres Faust shortly after being called as a GA. he told Pres Uckdorf of the accolades and flowery language people would use, and told him not to ever inhale it. I would be embarrassed if things like that were said about me. I don't believe the leaders have anything to do with this being written, but coming from a "church" publication it just makes us looks silly.
I will now go to bed and pray for the leaders that they may be kept safe, have renewed strength, and be taught their conference messages from on high. I will then pray that I with my family may receive the message by the power of the Holy Ghost, so it may be useful to us. The rest of that (after the second paragraph)I will pretend I never read!