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December, Week 1

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read Ether 12:1-27.
2. There are 2 Doctrinal Mastery scriptures in this part of the chapter. The first one is Ether 12:6.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

3. The second one is Ether 12:27.

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

4. As Moroni continued abridging the book of Ether, he feared the Gentiles would mock his work because of his weakness in writing. The Lord responded that as we come unto Him in humility and faith, He can turn our weak things into strengths.
5. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it through Ether.

Youth
1. Today read Ether 12:1-27.
2. There are 2 Doctrinal Mastery scriptures in this part of the chapter. The first one is Ether 12:6.

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

3. The second one is Ether 12:27.

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

4. As Moroni continued abridging the book of Ether, he feared the Gentiles would mock his work because of his weakness in writing. The Lord responded that as we come unto Him in humility and faith, He can turn our weak things into strengths.
5. What do you think it means that the Savior’s grace is sufficient for all who humble themselves before Him? Elder Kevin S. Hamilton of the Seventy explained:

[Jesus Christ’s] strengthening, enabling grace gives us power to overcome all obstacles, all challenges, and all weaknesses as we seek to change.

The Savior worked out His infinite and eternal Atonement so that we could in fact change, repent, and become better. We can actually be born again. We can overcome habits, addictions, and even the “disposition to do evil” [Mosiah 5:2]. (Kevin S. Hamilton, “Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong,” Liahona, May 2022, 51–52)

6. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it through Ether.

Day 2

Primary
1. Read Ether 12:28-41.
2. Depending on what we seek, we can find much good or much bad in the world. After learning of the destruction of the Jaredites and witnessing the destruction of the Nephites, Moroni pled with all his readers to seek Jesus Christ and the blessings He has to offer.
3. Watch the video “Ether the Prophet.”
4. Listen to the song “He Sent His Son.”

Youth
1. Read Ether 12:28-41.
2. Depending on what we seek, we can find much good or much bad in the world. After learning of the destruction of the Jaredites and witnessing the destruction of the Nephites, Moroni pled with all his readers to seek Jesus Christ and the blessings He has to offer.
3. A fountain is defined as “the source from which something proceeds or is supplied” — for example, “a spring of water issuing from the earth” (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, “fountain”). If you had access to a miraculous fountain that supplied a continuous flow of anything you chose, what would you want it to produce? Faith, hope, and charity bring us to Jesus Christ, the Fountain of All Righteousness.
4. At the end of Ether 12, Moroni shared a sacred experience he had. Like Moroni, Elder Melvin J. Ballard (1873–1939) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had a sacred experience with the Savior. Read his description of this experience, and try to imagine what it must have been like.

I found myself one evening in the dreams of the night in that sacred building, the temple. After a season of prayer and rejoicing I was informed that I should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious personage, and, as I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being my eyes have ever beheld or that I ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds.

As I approached to be introduced, He arose and stepped towards me with extended arms, and He smiled as He softly spoke my name. If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He took me into His arms and kissed me, pressed me to His bosom, and blessed me, until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt! When He had finished, I fell at His feet, and, as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world. The feeling that I had in the presence of Him who hath all things in His hands, to have His love, His affection, and His blessing was such that if I can receive that of which I had but a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be, to feel what I then felt!

… I see Jesus not now upon the cross. I do not see His brow pierced with thorns nor His hands torn with the nails, but I see Him smiling, with extended arms, saying to us all: “Come unto me!” (Melvin J. Ballard, “I Know That He Lives,” Ensign, Dec. 2014, 80)

Week 2

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read Moroni 1. It’s short.
2. Being a follower of Jesus Christ has never been easy. Near the end of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni revealed that followers of Christ were being put to death unless they denied the Savior (see Moroni 1:2). Because Moroni refused to deny Jesus Christ, he was forced to wander wherever he could to find safety and stay hidden from the Lamanites. Perhaps you have felt alone when trying to live your faith and stay true to the Savior and His Church. Moroni’s exampled can motivate us to always follow Jesus Christ and not deny Him.
3. Listen to the song “Search, Ponder and Pray.”
4. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it through Moroni.

Youth
1. Today read Moroni 1. It’s short.
2. Being a follower of Jesus Christ has never been easy. Near the end of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni revealed that followers of Christ were being put to death unless they denied the Savior (see Moroni 1:2). Because Moroni refused to deny Jesus Christ, he was forced to wander wherever he could to find safety and stay hidden from the Lamanites. Perhaps you have felt alone when trying to live your faith and stay true to the Savior and His Church. Moroni’s exampled can motivate us to always follow Jesus Christ and not deny Him.
3. President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) served in the military as a young man and witnessed many acts of courage. He shared the following example.

One which I shall never forget was the quiet courage of an 18-year-old seaman—not of our faith—who was not too proud to pray. Of 250 men in the company, he was the only one who each night knelt down by the side of his bunk, at times amidst the jeers of bullies and the jests of unbelievers. With bowed head, he prayed to God. He never wavered. He never faltered. He had courage. (Thomas S. Monson, “Be Strong and of a Good Courage,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 67)

4. Watch the video “Moroni Invites All to Come Unto Christ.”
5. Listen to the song “Books in the Book of Mormon.” Make sure you can sing it through Moroni.

Day 2

Primary
1.Today read Moroni 2 and Moroni 3.
2. True priesthood authority from God is important in the Savior’s Church. In some of Moroni’s final words to future generations, he taught about the authority to perform priesthood ordinances. In doing so he preserved important truths about how the priesthood is used.
3. Listen to the song “He Sent His Son.”

Youth
1.Today read Moroni 2 and Moroni 3.
2. True priesthood authority from God is important in the Savior’s Church. In some of Moroni’s final words to future generations, he taught about the authority to perform priesthood ordinances. In doing so he preserved important truths about how the priesthood is used.
3. Moroni was one of the final priesthood holders of his dispensation on the American continent. He knew that when he died, important knowledge about the Savior’s Church and His priesthood authority would be lost. In some of his final words, Moroni wrote what he felt might “be of worth” to future generations (Moroni 1:4). He wrote about priesthood authority and ordinances that are available only in the Savior’s Church. When the resurrected Savior visited the Nephites, “he touched with his hand the disciples whom he had chosen” and “gave them power to give the Holy Ghost” (3 Nephi 18:36–37). Moroni included in his record some of the Savior’s instructions to the twelve Nephite disciples about how to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. This includes that Melchizedek Priesthood holders bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon baptized Church members by the laying on of hands.
4. Priesthood authority comes from Jesus Christ. While all who hold callings in the Church have priesthood authority, those who are ordained to either the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood offices have a priesthood line of authority. This line traces a priesthood holder’s authority to Jesus Christ. Melchizedek Priesthood holders may request a record of their line of authority on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The Church does not provide records of lines of authority for Aaronic Priesthood holders. However, if an Aaronic Priesthood holder was ordained by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, he could learn about the line of authority of the man who ordained him. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

Acting with divine authority requires more than mere social contract. It cannot be generated by theological training or a commission from the congregation. No, in the authorized work of God there has to be power greater than that already possessed by the people in the pews or in the streets or in the seminaries—a fact that many honest religious seekers had known and openly acknowledged for generations leading up to the Restoration. …

… [The priesthood line of authority of each priesthood holder in the Church] goes back in an unbroken chain to angelic ministers who came from the Son of God Himself, bearing this incomparable gift from heaven. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Our Most Distinguishing Feature,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 44)

5. Who can experience the blessings of the priesthood? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency has stated:

Unlike priesthood keys and priesthood ordinations, the blessings of the priesthood are available to women and to men on the same terms. The gift of the Holy Ghost and the blessings of the temple are familiar illustrations of this truth. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 52)

Day 3

Primary
1. Read Moroni 4 and Moroni 5.
2. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are invited to participate in sacred ordinances and make covenants with our Heavenly Father. When we strive to keep our covenants, Heavenly Father blesses us. The ordinance we participate in most frequently is the sacrament.
3. As we partake of the sacrament, we promise to be willing to take upon ourselves the Savior’s name, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.

Youth
1. Read Moroni 4 and Moroni 5.
2. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are invited to participate in sacred ordinances and make covenants with our Heavenly Father. When we strive to keep our covenants, Heavenly Father blesses us. The ordinance we participate in most frequently is the sacrament.
3. As we partake of the sacrament, we promise to be willing to take upon ourselves the Savior’s name, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. What do you think it means to be willing to take the Savior’s name upon us? President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency explained:

We promise to take His name upon us. That means we must see ourselves as His. We will put Him first in our lives. We will want what He wants rather than what we want or what the world teaches us to want. (Henry B. Eyring, “That We May Be One,” Ensign, May 1998, 67)

4. As we keep the covenant we make during the sacrament, we can always have the Lord’s Spirit to be with us. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught how we can approach the sacrament and be blessed by keeping its covenants.

We are commanded to repent of our sins and to come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament in compliance with its covenants. When we renew our baptismal covenants in this way, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. In this way we are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us. The importance of this is evident in the Lord’s commandment that we partake of the sacrament each week (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:8–9). (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 38)

5.How can partaking of the sacrament anchor me to the Savior? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Each week we partake of the sacrament and make a covenant with our Heavenly Father. We promise to link our identity with the Savior’s by pledging our willingness to take upon us His name, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments. Conscientiously preparing for and worthily making these covenants each week anchors us to the Savior, helps us internalize our commitment, and powerfully propels us along the covenant path. (Dale G. Renlund, “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 24)

Day 4

Primary
1. Today read Moroni 6.
2. As members of the Savior’s Church, we can help and strengthen one another. Here are some ways we can do that:

• remember other members of the Church (verse 4)
• nourish one another spiritually by the good word of God (verse 4)
• watch over and pray for each other (verse 4)
• help one another rely on the Savior and His Atonement (verse 4)
• meet together often to fast and pray together (verse 5)
• strengthen one another spiritually (verse 5)
• partake of the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus Christ (verse 6)
• forgive others when they repent (verses 7–8)
• teach and pray according to the power of the Holy Ghost

3. Listen to the song “Away in a Manger.”

Youth
1. Today read Moroni 6.
2. As members of the Savior’s Church, we can help and strengthen one another. Here are some ways we can do that:

• remember other members of the Church (verse 4)
• nourish one another spiritually by the good word of God (verse 4)
• watch over and pray for each other (verse 4)
• help one another rely on the Savior and His Atonement (verse 4)
• meet together often to fast and pray together (verse 5)
• strengthen one another spiritually (verse 5)
• partake of the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus Christ (verse 6)
• forgive others when they repent (verses 7–8)
• teach and pray according to the power of the Holy Ghost

3. President Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President, observed:

We are not just receivers and takers of what is offered at church; we are needed to be givers and suppliers. Young women and young men, next time you are at [a youth activity], instead of picking up your phone to see what your friends are doing, stop, look around, and ask yourself, “Who needs me today?” You may be the key to reaching out and touching the life of a peer or to giving encouragement to a friend who is quietly struggling.

Ask your Heavenly Father to show you those around you who need your help and to inspire you on how to best serve them. Remember that the Savior most often ministered to one person at a time. (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “The Needs before Us,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 26)

4. How can I help others feel that they belong in the Church? President Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President, taught:

My young friends, I can guarantee that there will always be someone at every Church meeting you attend who is lonely, who is going through challenges and needs a friend, or who feels like he or she doesn’t belong. You have something important to contribute to every meeting or activity, and the Lord desires for you to look around at your peers and then minister as He would. …

It is true that we attend our weekly Church meetings to participate in ordinances, learn doctrine, and be inspired, but another very important reason for attending is that, as a ward family and as disciples of the Savior Jesus Christ, we watch out for one another, encourage one another, and find ways to serve and strengthen each other. (Bonnie L. Oscarson, “The Needs before Us,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 26)

5. What can I do if I feel like church is not for me? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency counseled:

Some say that attending church meetings is not helping them. Some say, “I didn’t learn anything today” or “No one was friendly to me” or “I was offended.” Personal disappointments should never keep us from the doctrine of Christ, who taught us to serve, not to be served. With this in mind, another member described the focus of his Church attendance:

“Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, … to volunteer for an assignment. …

“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Need for a Church,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24–25)

Week 3

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read Moroni 7:1-19.
2. It can sometimes be difficult to know what is right and what is not. However, God has provided help for us. Moroni, using the words of his father, encouraged us to use the Light of Christ to know right from wrong. From Moroni 7:12–17 we can discover that all things which are of God invite us to do good, believe in Jesus Christ, and love and serve God. On the other hand, that which is evil persuades us to sin, deny Jesus Christ, or fight against God.
3. Listen to the song “Search, Ponder and Pray.”

Youth
1. Today read Moroni 7:1-19.
2. It can sometimes be difficult to know what is right and what is not. However, God has provided help for us. Moroni, using the words of his father, encouraged us to use the Light of Christ to know right from wrong. From Moroni 7:12–17 we can discover that all things which are of God invite us to do good, believe in Jesus Christ, and love and serve God. On the other hand, that which is evil persuades us to sin, deny Jesus Christ, or fight against God.
3. Read the following statement by President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency to help you understand the Light of Christ:

Every child of Heavenly Father born in the world is given at birth, as a free gift, the Light of Christ. You have felt that. It is the sense of what is right and what is wrong and what is true and what is false. That has been with you since your journey in life began. …

… You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness. (Henry B. Eyring, “Walk in the Light,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 123–124)

4. How does the Light of Christ help us and others? Elder Mark A. Bragg of the Seventy taught:

The Light of Christ will help us see others through the Savior’s eyes. We will be more loving and understanding of the struggles of others. It will help us be more patient with those who may not worship as we do or serve as we might. It will help us understand the great plan of happiness more fully and see how we all fit into that great loving plan. It gives life, meaning, and purpose to all that we do. (Mark A. Bragg, “Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 38)

Day 2

Primary
1. Read Moroni 7:20-48.
2. There is a doctrinal mastery scripture in this chapter, Moroni 7:45-48.

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

3. Near the end of his record, Moroni included a sermon his father, Mormon, had given. Mormon taught principles of love that could have prevented the Nephites’ destruction. The following definitions may be helpful:

• “suffereth long” = endures trials patiently
• “envieth not” = is not jealous of others
• “not puffed up” = humble
• “seeketh not her own” = puts God and the needs of others before self
• “not easily provoked” = not angered easily
• “believeth all things” = accepts all truth

4. Listen to the song “He Sent His Son.”

Youth
1. Read Moroni 7:20-48.
2. There is a doctrinal mastery scripture in this chapter, Moroni 7:45-48.

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

3. Near the end of his record, Moroni included a sermon his father, Mormon, had given. Mormon taught principles of love that could have prevented the Nephites’ destruction. The following definitions may be helpful:

• “suffereth long” = endures trials patiently
• “envieth not” = is not jealous of others
• “not puffed up” = humble
• “seeketh not her own” = puts God and the needs of others before self
• “not easily provoked” = not angered easily
• “believeth all things” = accepts all truth

4. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Life has its share of fears and failures. Sometimes things fall short. Sometimes people fail us, or economies or businesses or governments fail us. But one thing in time or eternity does not fail us—the pure love of Christ. (Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 337)

5. How can we know if we have charity? Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other. (Marvin J. Ashton, “The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,” Ensign, May 1992, 19)

Day 3

Primary
1. Today read Moroni 8.
2. In his writings, the prophet Moroni shared a letter written to him by his father, Mormon, stating that little children do not need baptism. Mormon’s writings on the subject stem from a revelation he received from Jesus Christ. The revelation demonstrates the power of the Savior’s Atonement and how it impacts little children.
3. Listen to the song “Away in a Manger.”

Youth
1. Today read Moroni 8.
2. In his writings, the prophet Moroni shared a letter written to him by his father, Mormon, stating that little children do not need baptism. Mormon’s writings on the subject stem from a revelation he received from Jesus Christ. The revelation demonstrates the power of the Savior’s Atonement and how it impacts little children.
3. Can young children sin? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

We understand from our doctrine that before the age of accountability a child is “not capable of committing sin” [Moroni 8:8]. During that time, children can commit mistakes, even very serious and damaging ones that must be corrected, but their acts are not accounted as sins. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Sins and Mistakes,” Ensign, Oct. 1996, 65)

4. Doctrine and Covenants 29:47. What does it mean that children “begin to become accountable”? Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Accountability does not burst full-bloom upon a child at any given moment in his life. Children become accountable gradually, over a number of years. Becoming accountable is a process, not a goal to be attained when a specified number of years, days, and hours have elapsed. In our revelation the Lord says, “They cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me.” (D&C 29:47.) There comes a time, however, when accountability is real and actual and sin is attributed in the lives of those who develop normally. It is eight years of age, the age of baptism. (Bruce R. McConkie, “The Salvation of Little Children,” Ensign, Apr. 1977, 6)

5. What does it mean to be “alive in Christ”? To be alive in Christ means to be redeemed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and worthy to live in the celestial kingdom. Those not accountable are redeemed and made alive in Christ through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Those who are accountable can invite the redeeming power of Jesus Christ into their lives through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost (Moroni 8:25–26).

Day 4

Primary
1. Read Moroni 9.
2. In his final recorded epistle to his son Moroni, Mormon sorrowed for the wicked state of the Nephites. He urged Moroni to labor diligently to help the Nephites repent. Mormon also recounted the sufferings of the people caused by their wickedness. Notwithstanding the corrupt condition of his people, he encouraged Moroni to be faithful in Jesus Christ and have hope in the promise of eternal life.
3. Watch the video “Moroni and His Teachings.”

Youth
1. Read Moroni 9.
2. In his final recorded epistle to his son Moroni, Mormon sorrowed for the wicked state of the Nephites. He urged Moroni to labor diligently to help the Nephites repent. Mormon also recounted the sufferings of the people caused by their wickedness. Notwithstanding the corrupt condition of his people, he encouraged Moroni to be faithful in Jesus Christ and have hope in the promise of eternal life.
3. President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency encouraged us to persevere in our efforts to labor among God’s children:

“[The oath and covenant of the priesthood] is a covenant [Melchizedek priesthood holders] make with God to keep all His commandments and give service as He would give it if He were personally present. Living up to that standard as best we can builds the strength we will need to endure to the end.

Great priesthood trainers have shown me how to build that strength: it is to form a habit of pushing on through the fatigue and fear that might make you think of quitting. The Lord’s great mentors have shown me that spiritual staying power comes from working past the point when others would have taken a rest. …

… I promise you if you do all that you can, God will magnify your strength and your wisdom” (Henry B. Eyring, “Preparation in the Priesthood: ‘I Need Your Help,’” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 58, 59).

4. Mormon explained to his son Moroni that their people were “without principle, and past feeling” (Moroni 9:20). Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that failure to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and failure to keep the commandments of God can lead us to this condition:

Our capacity to feel controls our behavior in many ways, and by inaction when our feelings prompt us to do good, we deaden that capacity to feel. It was Jesus’ striking sensitivity to the needs of those about him that made it possible for him to respond in action.

At the other end of the spiritual spectrum are individuals such as Nephi’s erring brothers; Nephi noted their increasing insensitivity to things spiritual: ‘[God] hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words’ [1 Nephi 17:45].

When we become too encrusted with error, our spiritual antennae wilt and we slip beyond mortal reach. This can happen to entire civilizations. In his lamentation to his son Moroni, Mormon notes the deterioration of the Nephite society. The symptoms include a wickedness so profound that Mormon’s people were described by him as being ‘past feeling’ [Moroni 9:20]. … Imperviousness to the promptings of the still small voice of God will also mean that we have ears but cannot hear, not only the promptings of God, but also the pleas of men” (Neal A. Maxwell, A Time to Choose [1972], 59–60).

Week 4

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read Moroni 10:1-7.
2. In some of his last writings, Moroni emphasized that God is the source of all truth. Through God, we can receive a personal witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the reality of Jesus Christ, and the truth of all things by the power of the Holy Ghost.
3. Listen to the song “Search, Ponder and Pray.”

Youth
1. Today read Moroni 10:1-7.
2. In some of his last writings, Moroni emphasized that God is the source of all truth. Through God, we can receive a personal witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the reality of Jesus Christ, and the truth of all things by the power of the Holy Ghost.
3. President Russell M. Nelson described some of the blessings we can receive by studying the Book of Mormon.

I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 62–63)

4. President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency shared his experience applying Moroni’s promise.

I hope that you all have proved that promise for yourself or that you will do it soon. The answer may not come in a single and powerful spiritual experience. For me it came quietly at first. But it comes ever more forcefully each time I have read and prayed over the Book of Mormon.

I do not depend on what has happened in the past. To keep my living testimony of the Book of Mormon secure, I receive the promise of Moroni often. I don’t take that blessing of a testimony for granted as a perpetual entitlement. (Henry B. Eyring, “A Living Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 127)

5. How can having my own testimony bless me? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, taught:

Some may say that the steps are too hard or that they are not worth the effort. But I suggest that this personal testimony of the gospel and the Church is the most important thing you can earn in this life. It will not only bless and guide you during this life, but it will also have a direct bearing on your life throughout eternity. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 22)

President Russell M. Nelson shared:

You don’t have to wonder about what is true (Moroni 10:5). You do not have to wonder whom you can safely trust. Through personal revelation, you can receive your own witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this is the Lord’s Church. Regardless of what others may say or do, no one can ever take away a witness borne to your heart and mind about what is true. (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95)

Day 1

Primary
1. Today, read the last Doctrinal Mastery scripture in the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:4-5.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

2. Listen to the song for it!
3. What does Moroni say someone can do to gain a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true?
4. Watch the video “Moroni’s Special Promise.”

Youth
1. Today, read the last Doctrinal Mastery scripture in the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:4-5.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

2. Listen to the song for it!
3. Moroni’s promise is a well-known and much-loved passage of scripture to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been called probably the most celebrated and oft-cited verses in the Book of Mormon. Most missionaries know it by memory and often challenge their investigators to take “Moroni’s challenge.” Moroni tells his readers that when they read the Book of Mormon they should ponder on the Lord’s mercy since the Creation and then ask God if the Book of Mormon is not true.
4. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commented on Moroni’s promise of having “real intent”:

“Moroni did not promise a manifestation of the Holy Ghost to those who seek to know the truth of the Book of Mormon for hypothetical or academic reasons, even if they ‘ask with a sincere heart.’ The promise of Moroni is for those who are committed in their hearts to act upon the manifestation if it is received. Prayers based on any other reason have no promise because they are not made ‘with real intent’” (Pure in Heart [1988], 19–20).