A senior Church leader spoke to millions of women on Saturday at the annual worldwide Relief Society meeting, encouraging them to devote time to study, prayer and service
President Thomas S. Monson, a member of the First Presidency - the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - provided three goals for Mormon women: study diligently, pray earnestly and serve willingly.
He explained that women should pray earnestly, but added: "Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."
President Monson spoke on the need to serve willingly, urging women to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and house the homeless. "The desire to lift, the willingness to help and the graciousness to give come from a heart filled with love," he said.
In addition to President Monson, the three members of the Relief Society general presidency - newly appointed at the April 2007 general conference - provided counsel and guidance for Mormon women worldwide.
"We must stand strong and immovable in faith, strong and immovable in family and strong and immovable in relief," said Julie B. Beck, president of the Relief Society. "We must excel in these three important areas which set us apart as the Lord's disciples."
Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society presidency, spoke on the importance of visiting teaching - a program in which women "build caring relationships" with each other and "offer support, comfort and friendship."
Looking back on her experiences as a social worker, Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society presidency, examined the differences between stable families and those that are dysfunctional. "The greatest help we will have in strengthening families is to know and follow the doctrines of Christ."