The Lord is exalted, he dwells on high; he filled Zion with justice and righteousness; he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.
[Excerpted from Summoned to Pilgrimage: The Temple as Focus of a Pilgrim People by Velma Ruch, Herald Publishing House, 1994, reprinted 2018, pp. 7–8]
The [church] is facing the greatest challenge in its history. It is no less than whether we shall rise to the opportunity of a spiritual awakening that is global in its dimensions and intended for the blessing and salvation of all, or whether we shall be satisfied with the blessings that have already been ours and content ourselves with business as usual.
The summons to renewal and recommitment came through the call to build a Temple. Though such a building has been the dream of our people from the very beginning, there were always reasons why its fulfillment was delayed. Timing was of the essence. We had some serious growing to do before we could even consider being the people to whom God would entrust so great a task. We had to be reminded that the essential meaning of the Restoration is our call to be healing and redeeming agents “inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 156:5e). We had to understand that we were a “world church,” not just an “American church.” We needed to be able to minister without stereotypes and defined roles of male and female. We needed to see human beings in their wholeness, each accepting others in their worthfulness. We had to grow into a new respect for those different from ourselves and give them the freedom to develop into the people God had designed them to be. We needed to develop greater competence in service and be able to be leaders in the movement toward justice and peace.
Fortunately, the Lord did not wait for us to become totally proficient.
What does World Conference mean to you? How has World Conference been an experience of blessing and transformation in your own life?
Prayer Phrase
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.