By Sherylin McMurtrey
In a not-so-typical opening Devotional, President Cecil O. Samuelson and Sister Sharon G. Samuelson encouraged students to follow the prophet and encouraged them to continue in uprightness and virtue.
Typically, in past years the president and his wife have used the opening devotional to welcome students back to school and to build their confidence and determination for the challenges of the upcoming semester.
However, both President and Sister Samuelson gave conference-like talks more along the theme of ?follow the prophet? versus the traditional ?welcome back to school? pep talk. But it was well received by students, who said it was surprisingly uplifting.
?I thought it was great to have a more spiritual message for Devotional than a message just about the new school year,? said Angie Wallace a 21-year-old senior from Cleburne, Texas. ?It was great to see President and Sister Samuelson lead the university in a spiritual way and not just an academic way.?
Sister Samuelson opened devotional by encouraging students to continue in integrity and excellence and she said the knowledge and experiences they would gain by doing so would influence them for the rest of their lives.
She told the story of when she was waiting to hear a radio broadcast from the Salt Lake Tabernacle after the tragic events of Sept. 11. She related how the prophet?s voice lifted people?s spirits during dark times.
?The time drew near for the broadcast from tabernacle,? Sister Samuelson said. ?President Hinckley spoke and the sound of his voice lifted the gloom and sadness. He calmed the crowd and brought peace. Peace came from the knowledge the prophet was there to lead and guide us, all else would be well in our lives if we just listened to them.?
There is always a need for the steady and reassuring voice of the servant of God she told students.
President Samuelson picked up with the same theme and continued by reminding students that part of the unique BYU experience was attending devotional where the spirit was invited and these opportunities are meant to ?compliment, supplement and enrich what we learn in the classroom.?
While many anniversaries are being celebrated and remembered this year, President Samuelson said he wanted students to continue reflecting on the legacy of learning they continue to enjoy and to remember how several of the prophets of our day have influenced its progress.
He said that just as the prophets have increased in both wisdom and stature, so should everyone.
?I firmly believe each of enjoys the privilege and has the responsibility to grow in our own ways in our own spheres,? he said.
He said students should seek learning by study and faith, and reminded students it should not be surprising that the prophet Joseph Smith received many spectacular insights as a result of study and prayer.
President Samuelson said it was a ?remarkable blessing to be here at this time,? and ended his comments on an optimistic note for students and the future.
?The best is ahead and yet to come,? he said. ?You will have a key role in all of that.?
