Blessings of the Temple

Blessings of the Temple
Thomas S. Monson

(link to talk)

(remember I am using the "language of faith" meaning I am wording the counsel and teaching "as if" I already believe or am already doing it. All bold type is my insertion.

• The building of temples is a very clear indication of the growth of the Church.
• In the temple, 
• I leave behind the distractions and confusion of the world
• I find beauty and order
• I find rest for my soul 
• I find a respite from the cares of my life
• a dimension of spirituality comes
• I find peace which transcends any other feeling which can come to my human heart
• I grasp the true meaning of the Savior's gift of peace which permeates my heart when it is:
• troubled
• afraid
• burdened with grief
• feeling confusion
• pleading for help
• As I go to the temple and remember my covenants I am better able to overcome the temptations and trials and challenges I face. 
• These blessings of the temple are priceless and I express gratitude for them daily.
• There is no blessing more precious to me than the peace and comfort I receive from the knowledge I have that I will be with my spouse forever.
• I have the spirit of temple worship.
• I am obedient to the commandments
• I follow carefully the steps of the Savior.
• I offer prayers of gratitude for the great and marvelous gift of the Atonement of Christ.

PARABLE:

young man
called to serve

reassigned

disappointed, but still worked hard, determined to serve the best he could

became discouraged because of negative attitude of other missionaries

suffered partial paralysis

went home on medical leave

prayed daily to be able to serve again

healed completely

disappointed to be returning to same mission and missionaries

went to the temple for comfort and confirmation he could still be successful

parents pray for him to receive needed comfort at the temple

endowment and celestial room

prayed for guidance

another young man is prompted to speak to him

he decides to not interrupt

could postpone the prompting no longer

interrupts his prayer

talk together

pours out his heart and his desire to receive comfort and encouragement

young man shares his own mission experiences, challenges and concerns and how he turned to the Lord for help and the blessings received

he is comforted and reassured

his enthusiasm for his mission was contagious

fear subsides

peace comes

gratitude for answered prayer

pray together

realizes he had served in the same mission

faith he would be blessed was amplified by the way his prayer was answered

knows all will be well

his humble prayer from his sincere heart was heard and answered

GENERAL CONFERENCE CHALLENGE:

PRAY:

• to express gratitude for the priceless blessings of the temple
• express gratitude for the Atonement

ACTION:

• Truly worship in the temple and seek promised blessings
• Ponder the story