God Speaks to Us through Prophets
God speaks to us individually, but He also speaks to His children collectively through His prophets. Living prophets teach us today.
“What a prophet said about education made a big difference to me.”
“If I trust in God, then I trust the person He’s called as His prophet to help lead me and direct me to become my very best self.”
Why do we have prophets?
God wants us to overcome our challenges, become better people, and return to live with Him after this life. But He doesn’t expect us to do it alone. He guides us through the Holy Ghost, scriptures, and prophets. A prophet is someone who has been called by God to give guidance to the entire world. From Abraham and Moses to living prophets today, God follows a pattern of guiding His children through prophets.
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”—Amos 3:7
How do prophets impact society?
While God’s commandments never change, the world we live in is always changing. Different periods of time have each brought new circumstances and unique challenges. Prophets receive direction from God to help people navigate challenges and situations.
In the Bible, prophets urged the people to repent and foretold of the birth, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, prophets continue to testify of Jesus. They also warn and advise all people about important topics.
Recent prophetic teachings address social issues such as marriage and family relationships, practical matters such as education and financial responsibility, and spiritual subjects that help us overcome personal trials and find great confidence and faith.
Russell M. Nelson, prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2018–present).
Prophets today
The true test of a prophet’s words is when we apply them in our personal lives. Those who hear these messages often comment, “It was like he was speaking to me.” God knows our deepest concerns and wants to help. One of the ways He helps His children is by giving inspiration to prophets.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints is unique in the world today because prophets provide regular, divine direction from God. These messages are available to all people. The current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks to the world twice a year during a series of meetings called general conference. The words of the prophet and the Apostles witness that Jesus is the Savior, and they help us follow His example.
As you learn more about prophets, you will come to understand that God still speaks to the world today and that you can more closely follow Him and find greater happiness by listening to the prophet’s counsel. We invite you to learn more about Jesus’s Church by visiting with missionaries.