As Church leaders strive to serve Heavenly Father's children, they prepare themselves spiritually each day. Leaders understand that when they are spiritually prepared they can receive revelation about who needs help and how to best meet their needs. That inspiration comes in the same way the Lord promised early Church leaders it would: "Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost. . . . This is the spirit of revelation." A few months ago in presidency meeting, Sister Lee received an assignment to plan and conduct a weekday Relief Society meeting. As she began to prepare, she turned to Church Handbook 2, where she was reminded that an important part of preparing Relief Society meetings is seeking the Lord's help in prayer.

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Sister Lee knew that she needed Heavenly Father's help. While continuing to put the needs of her own family first, she found time to seek the guidance of the Spirit in fulfilling her calling as well. She prayed diligently, studied the scriptures, pondered on her assignment, counselled with other leaders, sought inspiration as part of her monthly fast, and went to work preparing for the meeting by studying and applying the selected gospel principles in her own life. She read the counsel on additional Relief Society meetings found in Church Handbook 2 and determined to focus her efforts on helping sisters fulfill the purposes of Relief Society. She prepared meaningful activities to help everyone make personal application of the principles taught. Day by day, her vision became clearer of what the meeting should be and how it could meet the needs of individual sisters. When the afternoon arrived, Sister Lee was well prepared. She still didn't know exactly what she would say or how the meeting would go, but because she had prepared spiritually and in other ways she was confident that the Spirit of the Lord would direct her in meeting the needs of her sisters.

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When leaders prepare spiritually, they enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Guided by revelation, they plan and carry out the Lord's work in inspired ways. Then real needs are met, hearts are changed, and lives are blessed. This is why leaders prepare themselves spiritually to do the Lord's work.

In this example, how did Sister Lee prepare spiritually, and why was her spiritual preparation important? You may want to pause to reflect on what you have learned.

Church Handbook 2 teaches, "Leaders prepare themselves spiritually as they keep the commandments, study the scriptures and the teachings of Latter-day prophets, pray, fast, and humble themselves before the Lord." In this example, you may also have seen Sister Lee preparing spiritually by pondering, participating in Church meetings, fulfilling family responsibilities, and magnifying her calling. Because Sister Lee prepared spiritually, the Holy Ghost guided her service. As a result, individual sisters were blessed with spiritual experiences that strengthened their faith and helped them progress in the gospel.

Church Handbook 2 confirms that when leaders are converted and growing spiritually they can help others become converted and grow spiritually. This is the Savior's way of leading.

As you ponder on how spiritual preparation is important in your service, you may want to ask yourself, "How can I improve my own spiritual preparation, and how will those I serve be blessed by my efforts?"