Heavenly Father

One of the most fundamental beliefs of Latter-day Saints is that God is the Heavenly Father of all people—not only the Creator of our bodies but, significantly, the Father of our spirits.

Heavenly Father has a glorified physical body, and our own bodies are created in His image. As His children, we have a divine nature and potential, and our souls are of infinite worth to Him. He desires for us to partake of the fulness of joy that He experiences. Accordingly, He created the earth and prepared a plan of salvation so that we can become like Him.

The attributes of our Heavenly Father are exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. We can come to know our Heavenly Father as we commune with Him in prayer, study the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets, give service, and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Recognizing God as our Heavenly Father inspires us with love for Him and for all of His children.

Though all devotional addresses at BYU Speeches lead to faith in God in one way or another, these addresses focus more particularly on our relationship with Him as our Father. We hope that as you read, listen to, or watch these devotionals, you will sense His love for you.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Gus L. Hart June 13, 2023

Cecilia M. Peek November 9, 2011

Paul Rusesabagina January 29, 2008

Salani L. Pita, analyst in the financial services department at BYU

Salani Lesā Pita | May 13, 2025

Through consistent patterning, we can increase our ability to feel God’s love. He desires to include us in His work of salvation.

devotional 2025

Gus L. Hart | June 13, 2023

There are six important things we can believe to help us develop our divine potential and complete our unique missions.

devotional 2023

Tracy Y. Browning | February 14, 2023

Heavenly Father gives us many evidences of how He preserves His relationship with us while asking us what we can do to put Him first.

devotional 2023

Russell M. Nelson—President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Russell M. Nelson | September 17, 2019

The love and laws of God are inseparably connected. God's laws may not be popular in today's world, but they have been given for a reason.

devotional 2019

William B. Lund | August 5, 2014

God is the creator of the universe, but He is also our Father. He knows us, loves us, and desires to help us individually.

devotional 2014

Brent E. Nelson | June 10, 2014

Understanding that God "loveth His children" can help us build a better relationship and recognize His tender mercies in our lives.

devotional 2014

Cecilia M. Peek | November 9, 2011

The Lord has promised that, even when we feel most lost and alone, even when those closest to us have forgotten us, He is aware of us.

devotional 2011

Christoffel Golden Jr. | February 8, 2011

What is our relationship with God? Christoffel Golden Jr. teaches about the doctrine that explains our relationship with God.

devotional 2011

Marilyn W. Berrett | June 8, 2010

Marilyn W. Berrett teaches that through earnest prayer we can access the powers of heaven and commune with our Heavenly Father.

devotional 2010

Rollin H. Hotchkiss | December 8, 2009

If you watch for and learn how God loves you, you'll have the opportunity to have experiences like Rollin H. Hotchkiss and gain a similar testimony.

devotional 2009

Paul Rusesabagina | January 29, 2008

Paul Rusesabagina retells the dramatic story made famous by the film Hotel Rwanda. He explains how God brought people to him to keep safe.

forum 2008

Andrew C. Skinner | April 11, 2006

Andrew C. Skinner teaches about God's nature and character. Heavenly Father does all things out of love and what is eternally best for His children.

devotional 2006

Cheryl C. Lant | February 14, 2006

While God’s love for us is perfect, our love for Him is constantly being redefined as we learn to love ourselves and others as He does.

devotional 2006

Sharon G. Samuelson | January 10, 2006

Our self-worth does not come from appearances, accomplishments, or the opinions of others, but from the infinite love of God.

devotional 2006

Keith B. McMullin | October 21, 2003

As we increasingly love God and His kingdom and make them our primary focus, we will find that all of the "compartments" of our lives are blessed.

devotional 2003

George P. Lee | May 13, 1986

George P. Lee calls for an individual and worldwide return to full belief in God and His gospel, as opposed to half-believing and counterfeit faith.

devotional 1986

F. Enzio Busche | June 2, 1981

The scriptures teach that the key to life eternal is to know God and His Son. What pride, fear, or sin is stopping us from truly coming to know Him?

devotional 1981

Bernard Brockbank | June 3, 1979

The way to the kingdom of God is to love God first. We must love and serve Him above money, appetites, and other temporary priorities.

devotional 1979

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | August 20, 1974

The Christian message is powered by words. When we call upon God, we need not only the right words, but the right heart to be effective.

devotional 1974

Bruce R. McConkie | January 4, 1972

The God of Joseph Smith's time is not absent. We can come to know Him, His revelations, and His miracles, just as the Prophet did.

devotional 1972

LeGrand Richards | May 11, 1971

When we return to meet our Heavenly Father, we want it to be a profitable homecoming. We can prepare now by living in accordance with the gospel.

devotional 1971

Hugh B. Brown | May 31, 1968

God is the gardener of our lives. When we put our life in harmony with His will, we will be able to become what we are meant to be.

commencement 1968

Elray L. Christiansen | March 24, 1964

Man is God’s greatest creation. In this life of testing, obedience and temple blessings lead to glory, honor, and eternal life.

devotional 1964

David O. McKay - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

David O. McKay | November 5, 1957

Anchor your faith in deity—God who loves, leads and guides His children. As we seek to find Him, He will reward us with innumerable blessings.

devotional 1957

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | April 22, 1953

Regarding the origin of man, we must remember that we are the offspring of God, and He has created us just as He created our first parents: in His image.

devotional 1953