Relief Society Lesson -- Power in the Priesthood

Power in the Priesthood 

Elder Neil L. Andersen 

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 

October 2013 General Conference 

We sometimes overly associate the power of the priesthood with men in the Church.  

The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all—men, women, and children. 

A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room, but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings. 

To receive the blessings, power, and promises of the priesthood in this life and the next is one of the great opportunities and responsibilities of mortality. 

There are special blessings from God for every worthy person who is baptized, receives the Holy Ghost, and regularly partakes of the sacrament. 

God did not create men and women exactly the same. We know that gender is an essential characteristic of both our mortal and eternal identity and purpose. Sacred responsibilities are given to each gender. 

From the beginning the Lord established how His priesthood would be administered. 

The power of the holy priesthood does not work independently of faith, the Holy Ghost, and spiritual gifts. 

Worthiness is central to performing and receiving priesthood ordinances. 

Unworthily administering or passing the sacrament, blessing the sick, or participating in other priesthood ordinances is taking the name of God in vain. 

We know that the keys of the priesthood…direct the work of the Lord upon the earth.  Specific priesthood keys are conferred upon stake presidents and bishops…they call men and women by revelation who are sustained and set apart to exercise delegated authority to teach and administer. 

Sincerely asking for and listening to the thoughts and concerns voiced by women is vital in life, in marriage, and in building the kingdom of God. 

The power of God’s holy priesthood is found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify that as you worthily participate in the ordinances of the priesthood, the Lord will give you greater strength, peace, and eternal perspective.  

Whatever your situation, your home will be “blessed by the strength of priesthood power” and those close to you will more fully desire these blessings for themselves.