Relief Society · Elders Quorum · 25 minutes
President Dallin H. Oaks · President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints · Saturday Morning Session
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This class in one line
This class is about what it means to sustain a living prophet and why that covenant act matters to each of us personally.
Skip explaining the full history of solemn assemblies, one sentence of context is enough; let the discussion carry the time.
Before Sunday
Sunday we're discussing what it means to sustain a prophet
This Sunday we'll discuss President Oaks' opening remarks from general conference, where he described the solemn assembly, the moment we formally sustained President Russell M. Nelson as prophet. It was a rare, sacred event that has happened only a handful of times in Church history. Before class, think about your own experience watching or participating in that sustaining vote. Ponder: what does it mean to you, personally, to raise your hand and sustain a prophet of God?
Pick one opening
Think back to the moment when we were asked to sustain the new President of the Church, either in the conference center or in your home. What did you feel in that moment? What does it actually mean to you when you raise your hand to sustain?
Think back to the moment when we were asked to sustain the new President of the Church, either in the conference center or in your home. What did you feel in that moment? What does it actually mean to you when you raise your hand to sustain?
President Oaks opened general conference with a quiet acknowledgment: this conference is different. Not just another session, a solemn assembly. He noted that for more than a century, this kind of gathering has been an event of 'great significance' to Church members. Then he did something simple but moving, he personally thanked us, in advance, for our sustaining vote, our prayers, and our support.
Teach this first
A solemn assembly is the moment when the whole Church formally sustains a new President and prophet by quorums and groups, a practice the Church has maintained for over a century. President Oaks made clear that this sustaining vote is an act of real significance, not routine procedure. When we raise our hands, we are expressing genuine support and taking on a responsibility to pray for and uphold those we sustain.
President Oaks expressed 'gratitude … for our members' sustaining vote, prayers, and support', and asked in return that members be 'guided and prospered' as they serve the children of God.
Ask the class
If time remains
Even in a conference marking the call of a new President Oaks centered everything on the resurrected Lord, reaffirming at Easter that Jesus Christ leads this Church, and that all blessings flow from Him.
Ask the class
Counsel together
Last 3–5 minutes
This week, do one specific thing to live out your sustaining vote, write a prayer for the prophet and apostles by name, or look for one way to act on counsel they have given.
Your witness: Share what it means to you personally that we have a living prophet and that Christ stands at the head of this Church, keep it brief and sincere.