The LDS Daily WOOL© Archive - Priesthood


(7/22/98)
"The Melchizedek Priesthood is essential for eternal life. Men hold that holy priesthood and women share fully in its blessings." — Neal A. Maxwell, "If Thou Endure It Well"

(7/23/98)
"Power and authority in the priesthood are not necessarily synonymous. All of us who hold the priesthood have the authority to act for the Lord, but the effectiveness of our authority--or if you please, the power that comes through that authority--depends on the pattern of our lives." — H. Burke Peterson, "Priesthood—Authority And Power," General Conference, April 1976

(7/24/98)
"You are to exercise the priesthood in setting the spiritual tone and building a spiritual foundation in your families.  You brethren have a solemn duty to bless your wives, children and other family members by the power and authority of the priesthood." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Ensign," Nov. 1988 (October Conference) p. 35

(7/25/98)
"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the priesthood's dynamic power source.  By failing to put faith first in our callings, we reduce the priesthood's light and power." — John K. Carmack, "Ensign," May 1993 (April Conference) p. 41

(7/26/98)
"I believe that a noble priesthood bearer should have balance in his life.  I have observed that some fathers spend too much time watching sports on television.  This practice has almost become an addiction in today's world.  It should never cause us to neglect family and Church duties.  Television is out of control in some homes; the set is rarely turned off, regardless of the programming.  Some programs are filthy and evil and are poisoning the minds of God's children today.  Likewise, many movies and videotapes are blatantly corrupt and evil, making their viewers insensible to the promptings of the Spirit (see Helaman 4:24).  Satan has made the television and film media among his most effective tools to destroy minds and souls." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Priesthood Of God," General Conference, October 1988

(12/2/98)
"The power of the priesthood is the greatest power and the greatest force on the face of the earth. Talk about real security! That will be with us if we keep the commandments of the Lord, and if we keep the covenants that we have made with the Lord." — Thorpe B. Isaacson, "General Conference Reports," p. 91, 3 April 1953

(12/3/98)
"The heavenly power of the Priesthood is with us who hold it here in the flesh, and it is by that power that we shall prevail and succeed and overcome, and accomplish the great work of salvation entrusted to us." — Charles W. Penrose, "General Conference Reports," p. 20, April 1920

(12/4/98)
"The power of the priesthood should be the dominant influence in family affairs." — James E.  Faust, "Ensign," November 1995, p. 62

(12/5/98)
"What is priesthood? Well, we've had the definition—it's the power of the Lord given to man to act for Him in things pertaining to salvation. But I have a different definition that to me seems more accurate. Priesthood is the power by which the power of the Almighty works through man." — Harold B. Lee, "Teachings of Harold B. Lee," p. 482

(12/6/98)
"But I have reached the conclusion in my own mind that no man, however great his intellectual attainments, however vast and far-reaching his service may be, arrives at the full measure of his sonship and the manhood the Lord intended him to have, without the investiture of the Holy Priesthood, and with that appreciation, my brethren, I have given thanks to the Lord all my life for this marvelous blessing which has come to me -- blessing that some of my progenitors had, and a blessing which more than any other heritage I want my sons and my grandsons and my great-grandsons to enjoy." — Stephen L. Richards, "General Conference Reports," p. 88, 3 October 1955

(1/2/04)
"Ordinary men-including, and perhaps especially, young men-blessed with the privilege of holding the priesthood of God may be called upon to do extraordinary tasks. Holders of the holy priesthood can accomplish mighty feats of heroism, bravery, and service through faith in that sacred power." - Jack H. Goaslind, "In His Strength I Can Do All Things," General Conference, April 1997

(1/3/04)
"Brethren, we must never let the great powers of the holy priesthood of God lie dormant in us. We are bound together in the greatest cause and the most sacred work in all the world. To exercise these great powers, we must be clean in thought and action. We must do nothing which would impair the full exercise of this transcendent power." - James E. Faust, "Power of the Priesthood," General Conference, April 1997

(7/12/04)
"Scriptures certify that the priesthood has continued and will continue 'through the lineage of [the] fathers' (D&C 86:8. See also D&C 84:6-17; D&C 107:40; Abr. 1:2-4.) Ordination to its offices has timeless implication as well. Tenure in priesthood office may extend into postmortal realms. For example, scriptures declare that one ordained as a high priest may be a high priest forever. (See Alma 13:9, 14.) Promised blessings of the priesthood extend to men, women, and children throughout the world and may endure forever. (See Gen. 17:1-7; Gen. 22:16-18; Gen. 26:3-4; Gen. 28:13-14; Isa. 2:2-3; 1 Ne. 15:18; Alma 29:8; D&C 124:58; D&C 132:47; Abr. 2:11.)" - Russell M. Nelson, "Constancy amid Change," Ensign, November 1993, p. 35

(11/28/04)
"... the kingdom of God is governed by the authority of the priesthood. It is not conferred for honor, but for a ministry of service. Priesthood titles are not created by man; neither are they for adornment, nor do they express mastership. They denote appointment to service in the work of the Lord. We are called, sustained, and ordained-not by ourselves, but "by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." (A of F 1:5; see also Heb. 5:4.)" - Russell M. Nelson, "Honoring the Priesthood," Ensign, May 1993, p. 38

(11/29/04)
"We are Christians because we believe in the Christian lay ministry, established in the original Church. 'We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.' (A of F 1:5.) We believe that a call to the ministry is something that 'no man taketh... unto himself,' but that he must be 'called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) In other words, we do not believe that a man may call himself to the Lord's ministry." - Robert E. Wells, "We Are Christians Because... ," Ensign, January 1984, p. 19

(11/30/04)
"Paul wrote concerning the priesthood: 'No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) We have not acquired it through purchase or bargain. The Lord has given it to men who are considered worthy to receive it, regardless of station in life, the color of their skin, or the nation in which they live. It is the power and the authority to govern in the affairs of the kingdom of God. It is given only by ordination by the laying on of hands by those in authority to do so. The qualification for eligibility is obedience to the commandments of God." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Cornerstones of Our Faith," Ensign, November 1984, p. 52

(12/1/04)
"Yes, with all of the soberness of my soul, I declare that God's house is a house of order. His holy purposes are not carried out by man's whim or fancy but, rather, in this church which bears his name, sacred ordinances can only be performed by proper authority. We agree with Paul that 'no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) Priesthood authority of the Lord Jesus Christ was restored by John the Baptist, by Peter, James, and John in the spring of 1829." - Robert L. Simpson, "The Most Vital Information," Ensign, November 1974, p. 46

(12/2/04)
"Truly, 'a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.' (Fifth Article of Faith.) Those who have desires to do good, and do it, shall be rewarded, but it is not within the province of any man to set himself up as a minister of Christ or a light to the world. No man can give himself the power to baptize, or to confer the Holy Ghost, or to preach, or to seal men up unto eternal life in God's kingdom. True legal administrators are 'called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.)" - Bruce R. McConkie, "Doctrinal New Testament Commentary," 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 2:281

(1/8/05)
"As the Lord's agents we are bound by his law to do what he wants us to do regardless of personal feelings or worldly enticements. Of ourselves we have no message of salvation, no doctrine that must be accepted, no power to baptize or ordain or marry for eternity. All these things come from the Lord, and anything we do with reference to them is the result of delegated authority." - Joseph Fielding Smith, "Our Responsibilities As Priesthood Holders," Ensign, June 1971, p. 49

(4/19/05)
"...we in the restored Church of Jesus Christ can trace the priesthood line of authority exercised by the newest deacon in the ward, the bishop who presides over him, and the prophet who presides over all of us. That line goes back in an unbroken chain to angelic ministers who came from the Son of God Himself, bearing this incomparable gift from heaven.

"And, oh, how we need its blessings-as a Church and as individuals and families within the Church." - Jeffrey R. Holland, "Our Most Distinguishing Feature," General Conference, April 2005

(8/19/05)
"For those of us who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, our privilege to magnify our callings is ever present. We are shepherds watching over Israel. The hungry sheep look up, ready to be fed the bread of life. Are we prepared to feed the flock of God? It is imperative that we recognize the worth of a human soul, that we never give up on one of His precious sons." - Thomas S. Monson, "Priesthood Power," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 50

2/20/06
"The Lord has placed in our hands the divine power and authority to act in all things, to preach the gospel and perform the ordinances of salvation by which men are sealed up into eternal life. You are different from the rest of the world." - David B. Haight, "The Responsibility of Young Aaronic Priesthood Bearers," Ensign (CR), May 1981, p.40

5/15/06
"I desire to impress upon you the fact that it does not make any difference whether a man is a priest or an apostle, if he magnifies his calling. A priest holds the key of the ministering of angels. Never in my life, as an apostle, as a seventy, or as an elder, have I ever had more of the protection of the Lord than while holding the office as a priest. The Lord revealed to me by visions, by revelations, and by the Holy Spirit, many things that lay before me." - Wilford Woodruff, "The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff," edited by G. Homer Durham, p.300

5/16/06
"Yes, with all of the soberness of my soul, I declare that God's house is a house of order. His holy purposes are not carried out by man's whim or fancy but, rather, in this church which bears his name, sacred ordinances can only be performed by proper authority. We agree with Paul that 'no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) Priesthood authority of the Lord Jesus Christ was restored by John the Baptist, by Peter, James, and John in the spring of 1829." - Robert L. Simpson, "The Most Vital Information," Ensign (CR), November 1974, p.45

5/23/06
"Th[e] all-encompassing promise is stated by Christ in these words: 'All that my Father hath shall be given unto him.' (D&C 84:38.)

"Few of us, I suppose, can comprehend all that this promise means. Even though we know that it includes eternal life, or the inheritance of exaltation, still it is so great and so wonderful that it defies proper explanation. It is sufficient for me to know that God in heaven is my Father and that he will bless me with all he has to offer, if I prove myself to be a faithful son.

"I stand in humble adoration of my Maker when I realize that he has sworn and confirmed his part of the agreement with an oath. (See Heb. 6:13-17.) He will never fall short of his promise, nor will he void it or compromise it in the slightest degree." - Carlos E. Asay, "The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood," Ensign (CR), November 1985, p.43

10/22/06
"We who hold the priesthood of God cannot afford to drift. We have work to do (see Moroni 9:6). We must arise from the dust of self-indulgence and be men! It is a wonderful aspiration for a boy to become a man—strong and capable; someone who can build and create things, run things; someone who makes a difference in the world. It is a wonderful aspiration for those of us who are older to make the vision of true manhood a reality in our lives and be models for those who look to us for an example." - D. Todd Christofferson, "Let Us Be Men," Ensign, November 2006

4/18/07
"My brethren of the priesthood—from the youngest to the oldest—are you living your life in accordance with that which the Lord requires? Are you worthy to bear the priesthood of God? If you are not, make the decision here and now, muster the courage it will take, and institute whatever changes are necessary so that your life is what it should be. To sail safely the seas of mortality, we need the guidance of that eternal mariner—even the great Jehovah. If we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help." - Thomas S. Monson, "The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift," General Conference, April 2007

10/28/07
"Times may change, circumstances may alter, but the marks of a true holder of the priesthood of God remain constant.... the mark of vision... the mark of effort... the mark of faith... the mark of virtue... the mark of prayer." - Thomas S. Monson, "
A Royal Priesthood," General Conference, 6 October 2007

11/11/07
"This priesthood makes eternal families possible. It allows me, a son, to turn my heart to my father, who passed away last year, and to be calm in my hope through the Savior that I will see him again. This priesthood allows me, as a father, to turn my heart to our two children who died as infants and to be calm in my hope through the Savior that I will know them, and they will know I was their earthly father as I look into their eyes and tell them I love them. It is this priesthood which has allowed me to see, in the holiness of the temple, how the power of godliness is manifested to all people who—after exercising faith in Christ, repenting of their sins, and searching fervently for happiness—come to make sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father and receive His holy ordinances that bind on earth as well as bind in heaven." - Octaviano Tenorio, "
The Power of Godliness Is Manifested in the Temples of God," General Conference, 7 October 2007

10/28/08
"I wonder, brethren, how many of us seriously ponder the inestimable value of holding the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. When we consider how few men who have lived on earth have received the priesthood and how Jesus Christ has empowered those individuals to act in His name, we should feel deeply humble and profoundly grateful for the priesthood we hold." - Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well," General Conference, October 2008


1/15/09
"Our Heavenly Father is desirous to promote the happiness and welfare of the whole of the human family; and if we, any of us, hold any Priesthood, it is simply for that same purpose, and not for our personal aggrandizement, or for our own honor, or pomp, or position; but we hold it in the interest of God and for the salvation of the people, that through it we may promote their happiness, blessing and prosperity, temporal and spiritual, both here and in the world to come. That is why the Priesthood is conferred upon us, and if we do not use it in this way, then there is a malfeasance in office; then we violate our obligations before God, and render ourselves unworthy of the high calling that the Lord has conferred upon us. The Priesthood always was given for the blessing of the human family. People talk about it as though it was for the special benefit of individuals. What was said of Abraham? 'In thee and in thy seed' - what? I will confer blessings upon thee. O, that is all right so far as it goes. But 'in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' Let us act in the capacity of benefactors, and if we are descended of Abraham, let us walk in his footsteps and make ourselves worthy of the promises, let us extend our feelings wide as eternity, and seek to bless and benefit, lift up and ennoble all around us; that we may all rejoice together and be exalted by the same principles which have been revealed for the benefit of all men. That is the way I look at these important matters, and such is the position we all should occupy." - John Taylor, "Journal of Discourses," 26 vols., 22:231


2/25/09
"What does it mean to be the seed of Abraham? Scripturally it has a deeper meaning than being his literal descendants. The Lord made a covenant with Abraham, the great patriarch, that all nations would be blessed through him.25 Any man or woman can claim the blessings of Abraham. They become his seed and heirs to the promised blessings by accepting the gospel, being baptized, entering into temple marriage, being faithful in keeping their covenants, and helping to carry the gospel to all the nations of the earth." - James E. Faust, "The Key of the Knowledge of God," Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.52


9/12/09
“It is wonderful, my brethren, to have the opportunity to work in the service of the Lord. I think sometimes it is even more wonderful than that, to think that every worthy man in the Church has the same opportunity for service. It makes no difference whether you are working in the ward or as a General Authority, you are in the same service. Those of you who hold the Higher Priesthood hold the same Priesthood and those of you brethren who are holders of the Aaronic Priesthood may soon hold the Melchizedek Priesthood if you desire and but live for it.” - Henry D. Moyle, “Conference Report,” April 1960, First Day–General Priesthood Meeting, p. 19


12/21/09
“There are books that are released to the market and quickly become best sellers. Sometimes they generate so much interest that people eagerly await their release. Such books seem to flood the market right away, and you can see people reading them everywhere. God, in His infinite wisdom, reserved the Book of Mormon for our benefit. Its purpose is not to become a best seller. Nevertheless, we can turn this sacred book into a best-read and best-applied book in our life. Let me suggest three activities that can help us turn the Book of Mormon into the best-read and best-applied book, which will empower us today to become more powerful priesthood holders, even as those in ancient times.

“First, feast upon the words of Christ….

“Second, apply in our lives all that we learn about Christ….

“Third, teach the doctrine and principles found in the sacred pages of the Book of Mormon.” - Walter F. González, “Becoming More Powerful Priesthood Holders,” Ensign, November 2009


4/19/10
"The 'living water' that the Son of God offers is a set of divine principles. These principles are proven principles—they are priesthood principles which, when applied, can result in the blessings of eternity. How well you and I learn and practice these priesthood principles is not just important, ...; it is everything. Everything worthwhile in your life, everything you hope and dream for, is embraced in priesthood principles." - Robert L. Simpson, "Conference Report," October 1968, General Priesthood Meeting, p. 96


10/6/11
A lifeline must be anchored to an immovable object which can withstand the pressure and strain of opposing forces and remain firmly in place.

The priesthood anchors the gospel lifeline to Heavenly Father, just as every effective lifeline is anchored to a sure place. “Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.” (D&C 84:40.)

As bearers of this priesthood, brethren, we have a great and magnificent responsibility. - Rex D. Pinegar, "The Gospel Lifeline," Ensign (CR) October 1985


12/20/11
Brethren, the war goes on. It is as it was in the beginning. There may not be the intensity, and I am grateful for that. But the principles at issue are the same. The victims who fall are as precious as those who have fallen in the past. It is an ongoing battle. We of the priesthood are all part of the army of the Lord. We must be united. An army that is disorganized will not be victorious. It is imperative that we close ranks, that we march together as one. We cannot have division among us and expect victory. We cannot have disloyalty and expect unity. We cannot be unclean and expect the help of the Almighty. - Gordon B. Hinckley, "The War We Are Winning," Ensign (CR) October 1986

4/15/12
As we do our best to fulfill our priesthood responsibilities, we can be blessed with priesthood power. The power of the priesthood is God’s power operating through men and boys like us and requires personal righteousness, faithfulness, obedience, and diligence. A boy or a man may receive priesthood authority by the laying on of hands but will have no priesthood power if he is disobedient, unworthy, or unwilling to serve. - David A. Bednar, "The Powers of Heaven," Ensign (CR) May 2012

10/21/12
The Church and the world and women are crying for men, men who are developing their capacity and talents, who are willing to work and make sacrifices, who will help others achieve happiness and salvation. They are crying, “Rise up, O men of God!” - D. Todd Christofferson, "Brethren, We Have Work to Do," Ensign (CR) November 2012

4/22/14
Whoever exercises priesthood authority should forget about their rights and concentrate on their responsibilities. That is a principle needed in society at large. The famous Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is quoted as saying, “It is time … to defend not so much human rights as human obligations.” Latter-day Saints surely recognize that qualifying for exaltation is not a matter of asserting rights but a matter of fulfilling responsibilities. - Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign (CR) May 2014

4/24/15
The years have brought me more opportunities to provide blessings to those in need than I could possibly count. Each opportunity has found me deeply grateful that God has entrusted to me this sacred gift. I revere the priesthood. I have witnessed its power time and time again. I have seen its strength. I have marveled at the miracles it has wrought. - Thomas S. Monson, “The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift,” Ensign (CR) April 2015

6/23/15
The power of priesthood is not in his officers but through them just as the power of electricity is not in the wire but through it. Carelessness around electric power lines can be suddenly lethal. Carelessness around priesthood power lines can be slowly lethal, producing a lingering, withering, spiritual death. - William J. Critchlow, Jr., "Conference Report," April 1964, Afternoon Meeting, p. 31

9/29/15
Recognizing the fact that the Creator is the eternal and everlasting source of this power, that he alone can direct it, and that to possess it is to have the right, as an authorized representative, of direct communion with God, how reasonable, yet sublime, are the privileges and blessings made possible of attainment through the possession of the power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood! They are the most glorious that the human mind can contemplate. - David O. McKay, "Conference Report," October 1967, General Priesthood Meeting, p. 95

1/11/16
I feel that when we hold the priesthood we are set apart from the rest of the world. We have more strength to stand alone if necessary. We develop this strength automatically if we honor the priesthood. We will not be swayed by the opinion of the crowd. When the gang says yes we have the courage to say no if they are wrong. - David O. McKay, "Conference Report," April 1964, General Priesthood Meeting, p.43

4/10/16
If you are like me, you may often find yourself in daily life asking, “Where are the keys” to the car, the office, the house or apartment? When this happens to me, I can’t help but smile inside, for as I am looking for the keys, I find myself reflecting on restored priesthood keys and on President Thomas S. Monson, whom we sustain “as prophet, seer, and revelator” and as the only person on earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys. Yes, the keys are safely in the possession of prophets, seers, and revelators. They are conferred, delegated, and assigned to others in accordance with the Lord’s will, under the direction of the President of the Church. - Gary E. Stevenson, "Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?” Ensign (CR) May 2016

4/23/16
This precious gift of priesthood power brings with it not only solemn responsibilities but also special blessings for ourselves and for others. May we, in whatever place we may find ourselves, always be worthy to call upon its power, for we never know when our need and our opportunity to do so may come. - Thomas S. Monson, “A Sacred Trust,” Ensign (CR) May 2016


8/14/16
Brethren, I cannot speak too earnestly and invoke too intently the wish that we shall, all of us, realize what this Priesthood means; that we shall keep ourselves clean so that nothing shall stand betwixt us and the Lord. I have spoken of the extreme case, in a way, the healing of the sick of our dear ones, but there is no hour of the day or the waking hours of the night, when we do not stand in need of comfort, of peace, of inspiration, of wisdom, that can come only from our Heavenly Father. Our priesthood is our authority to go to the Lord in times of stress. -
J. Reuben Clark, Jr., “Conference Report,” April 1953, General Priesthood Meeting, p.55


 
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