A loving Father in Heaven has sent His sons and daughters
here to mortality to gain experience and to be tested.
He has provided the way back to Him and has given us enough
spiritual light to see our way.
The priesthood of God gives light to His children in this
dark and troubled world.
Through priesthood power, we can receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost to lead us in truth, testimony, and
revelation.
This gift is available on equal basis to
men, women, and children.
Through the blessings of the priesthood, we can be equipped
with "the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil." This protection is
available to every one of us.
The priesthood is the power of God which is given to man to
act in his name.
The priesthood of God is timeless.
It "was in the beginning, [and]
shall be in the world and the end also." The formation of
the universe and the world upon which we live was brought
to pass not by chance, but through the power of the
priesthood.
The great Creator spoke, and the elements obeyed.
Think of it, brothers and sisters, the priesthood has
been restored.
It's here on earth today.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
are modern-day Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Under the direction of these prophets, seers, and
revelators who hold the keys in this dispensation,
priesthood holders in the Church today have a legitimate
right to act in the name of God.
As His authorized agents they are commissioned to go forth
and bless others through the power and authority of the
priesthood, making all priesthood covenants,
ordinances, and blessings available today.
And the blessings of the priesthood are
available to everyone.
Indeed, the Father "inviteth ... all to come unto him and
partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto
him, black or white, bond or free, male or female; ...
all are alike unto God." My brothers and sisters, I have
witnessed this remarkable power of the priesthood to
lift, to bless, to heal, to strengthen and empower men,
women, and children throughout the world.
With all the sincerity in my heart, I desire to see the
blessings of the priesthood made accessible to all.
I promise that all of the magnificent eternal blessings
that God makes available to men, women, and families upon
this earth can be ours through the power of the priesthood.
I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.