Lesson Summary: October 27, 2013

Catherine B. led our discussion on Elder Neil L. Anderson's talk "Power in the Priesthood" from the October 2013 General Conference.  A great supplement to this talk and subject is Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk "What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government" and his April 2010 talk "Power of the Priesthood".

"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."  (Power in the Priesthood - By  Neil L. Andersen (2013 October General Conference)


                            Partnering with Priesthood Power

What
Heavens have borne record regarding what the priesthood is and is not.

•“Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present.” [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]
•“Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls.” [Bednar, “Powers of Heaven”, 4/12]
•celestial power gifted to a telestial world to elevate the experience

Who
•“The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all—men, women, and children.” [Apostle Anderson, GC, 10/13]

How is Priesthood power realized for women?

Ordination
confers
AUTHORITY
⇓
Permission

Worthiness
confers
POWER
⇓
Spiritual Capacity

“Righteousness is the qualifier … to invite priesthood power into our lives.” Sister Linda K. Burton, BYU Women's Conference

“In the ordinances … the power of godliness is manifest.” [D&C 84:20]

"As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises of the world ahead." [Anderson 10/13]

Ordinances ⇒ Covenants ⇒ Power ⇒ Light

          wherever you are on your path of discovery      |     questions for contemplation

1. Others Centered – in what ways do you participate in blessing others?

• Inherent in “what” is that Priesthood power designs only to bless others

"A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people."  [Bednar, “Powers of Heaven”, 4/12]

• Understanding of workings is magnified through experience w/ service

2. Active – how do you make Priesthood power active in your daily experience?

• Apostle Bednar lament

Attribute       Women            Men
Access          constant           requires engagement
Strength        varies               varies

"My message ...to all is that we can live every hour “blessed by the strength of priesthood power,” whatever our circumstance." [Anderson 10/13]

“One breaks the priesthood covenant by transgressing commandments—but also by leaving undone his duties. Accordingly, to break this covenant one needs only to do nothing” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 497).

"The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be." [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]

3. For Everyone – harnessing the globe with Priesthood power to bless others?

“We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations.” [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]



How is this power manifest to you?
How do I firmly affix the priesthood in my home?