“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph,” Friend, Feb. 2014, 2–3
From the First Presidency
Lessons from the Prophet Joseph
Adapted from “An Enduring Testimony of the Mission of the Prophet Joseph,” Ensign, Nov. 2003, 89–92.
The Prophet Joseph Smith was an example and a teacher of enduring well in faith.
Lesson 1: Pray
The young Joseph Smith showed us how to pray. He believed in the promise he read in the New Testament book of James (see James 1:5). He went to the grove with faith that his prayer would be answered. He wanted to know which church to join. He was submissive enough to be ready to do whatever he was told to do. So he prayed, as we must, already committed to obey.
Lesson 2: Feast on the Scriptures
The Prophet Joseph taught us what it means to feast on the scriptures. He said that the Book of Mormon would get a man “nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (see the introduction to the Book of Mormon).
Lesson 3: Serve Others
Love others by serving others. That brings the Spirit. The Prophet Joseph taught that, and he lived it.
Lesson 4: Build Faith
The Prophet Joseph Smith was an example and a teacher of enduring well in faith.
I thank and love him as the Lord’s prophet of the Restoration. He has helped me pray with the intent to obey. I am better able to feast in the word and the love of God. Because of him, I feel the Holy Ghost more often. And because of what I know of the Prophet Joseph and the scriptures which were revealed through him, I more often feel the love of God for His children and for me.
My prayer is that we will endure in faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This is His Church. Joseph was His prophet. I know this by the Spirit, which tells me that it is true.