Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve, along with his wife Kathy Andersen, brought Women's Conference to a close Friday in the Marriott Center with their joint talk entitled, 'Our Prayer for our Granddaughters,' which focused on optimism for the future in the light of adversity in the last days.
Elder Andersen's theme was the 'wonderful anticipation for the future' that should be shared by righteous people. He spoke about the section of scripture in 1 Nephi 14, which was the Women's Conference theme: 'And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.' Elder Andersen highlighted the portion in the chapter with Nephi's vision of the last days and spoke about great blessings and the ultimate victory of the righteous.
Concerning the righteous, Elder Andersen counseled the women to arm themselves for the last days.
'When you are more sensitive about taking his name upon you, seeking the spiritual gifts from his sacred ordinances and giving added care to following him, you feel greater strength,' he said. 'You see more clearly, sense more deeply your identity as a daughter of God and realize with greater measure the purposes you have accomplished, are accomplishing and will yet accomplish.'
Elder Andersen told the audience if they arm themselves in righteousness the gift of the Holy Ghost is magnified in them.
'Angels and miracles surround you,' Elder Andersen said. 'You are armed with the power of God in great glory. Happiness and peace follow, even in times of great difficulty.'
He explained the general feeling of optimism that is shared among the prophets and apostles, and quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson.
In regards to the title of the talk, 'Our Prayer for our Granddaughters,' Elder Andersen explained he and his wife had a prayer for their granddaughters in regards to the principles of what requisite in the last days.
Sister Andersen explained four principles in their prayer were that their granddaughters would 'be armed with the power of the holy ghost,' ' have faith in the words of those who are called and ordained to declare his holy word,' 'always have the spirit to be with them' and 'Jesus is the Christ, the holy son of God, our Savior and Redeemer.'
Elder Andersen ended their remarks by bearing testimony of the second coming and how bright the future is.
'He will come again,' he said. 'We shall see his face, and his name shall be upon us. May we look forward with faith. May we be worthy to bear His name, I pray in His holy name.'