Prophets

Because God is our loving Heavenly Father, He wants to communicate with us. His guidance, direction, and comfort are invaluable. For individual questions and trials, He invites us to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and temple worship. However, when His direction is for the entire world—as with commandments or doctrinal principles—he speaks through His mouthpiece, the prophets.

God has called prophets since the beginning of time. Adam, Noah, Moses, and Isaiah are just a few of the prophets He called in the Old Testament. Amos wrote, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, save He revealeth His secrets unto His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). After Christ’s mortal ministry, in which He established His Church and doctrine, the Apostles were given the gift of prophecy to lead the Church and testify of the Savior’s divinity. Each was divinely called and appointed, because “no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4).

As the Apostles were rejected and killed, the Earth was thrown into many years of Apostasy. Though many individuals were still given inspiration during this time, the world lost its properly appointed prophetic voice and leadership. In the early nineteenth century, Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to restore the doctrine and church of Jesus Christ. Since that time, there has been an unbroken prophetic line who offer guidance, warning, and counsel and who lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The prophets and apostles make up a large portion of the Board of Trustees for Brigham Young University, and their prophetic voices are an important guiding influence for this school as it strives to “assist individuals in their quest for eternal life.” All of the Latter-day prophets since at least 1950 have spoken at BYU, and their addresses are archived here.

These speeches from prophets, apostles, faculty members, and others offer testimony of the divine calling of the prophets past and present. They also testify, generally and personally, that following prophetic counsel invites the blessings of God into our lives.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ronald A. Rasband | September 19, 2023

In this inaugural address, Elder Rasband declares that C. Shane Reese was prepared "for such a time as this."

devotional 2023

Kevin J Worthen | January 10, 2023

God has promised us powerful blessings that can help us through challenges and trials—if we obey the voice of his prophet.

devotional 2023

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Quentin L. Cook | August 16, 2022

We must “give heed to the words of the prophets”—past and present—in order to build our faith and be protected from future evils.

devotional 2022

W. Christopher Waddell | October 12, 2021

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell shares ways to stay connected to the one true source of knowledge—Jesus Christ—so we can make it safely back home to our Father in Heaven.

devotional 2021

Mark L. Pace | March 16, 2021

Mark L. Pace explains how Christ's sheep still hear His voice by the power of the Holy Ghost. Daily gospel habits help us create change.

devotional 2021

Randall K. Bennett | March 19, 2019

Why is following the prophet so important? Elder Bennett shares the blessings he and his wife have experienced from following the prophet's invitation.

devotional 2019

David H. Moore | August 2, 2016

The prophets are our watchmen. Following their counsel will bring blessings and save us from the painful repetition of history.

devotional 2016

Cecil O. Samuelson | January 5, 2010

President Samuelson teaches lessons about character learned through personal experiences with Presidents David O. McKay and Thomas S. Monson.

devotional 2010

President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thomas S. Monson | September 15, 2009

President Thomas S. Monson shares principles learned from the lives and words of prophets before him. We can learn from their examples.

devotional 2009

Neil L. Andersen | March 4, 2007

The words of God, given through His prophets, are like an iron rod which, if we hold fast to it, will guide us to great blessings.

devotional 2007

Sharon G. Samuelson | August 30, 2005

Sister Samuelson shares a personal and strong testimony that Gordon B. Hinckley was not only a good and wise man, but a prophet of God.

devotional 2005

Cecil O. Samuelson | August 30, 2005

Although he had little formal schooling, Joseph Smith left the Church a legacy of asking and answering questions, working hard, and learning all we can.

devotional 2005

Sheldon F. Child | June 4, 2002

Sheldon F. Child exhorts us to follow the prophet by heeding his timely and inspired counsel. Prophets help us prepare for the future.

devotional 2002

James E. Faust | August 21, 2001

Brigham Young's bold leadership amid intimidating trial is evidence of the confidence he had in the God that had called him.

devotional 2001

L. Aldin Porter | February 4, 2001

As we seek for values to stand by, especially in important or controversial matters, let us search the prophets and follow their inspired counsel.

devotional 2001

Donovan J. Fleming | June 17, 1997

The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture with prophets such as Nephi, Lehi, Mormon, and Moroni who testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

devotional 1997

Lawrence R. Flake | July 18, 1995

The legacy left behind by our pioneer ancestors—a legacy shared by converts and "pioneer stock" alike—is one that will continue to stand the test of time.

devotional 1995

Robert D. Hales | June 5, 1994

Elder Hales shares feelings about Joseph Smith, the late President Benson, and soon-to-be President Hunter. Each prophet is called of God.

devotional 1994

Marvin J. Ashton | February 20, 1990

I have learned from five prophets—Presidents McKay, Smith, Lee, Kimball, and Benson—that the Lord speaks with a voice of mildness and love.

devotional 1990

Robert L. Simpson | June 24, 1986

I testify to the truth of this work and of living prophets. God calls a prophet to reveal His truth, to His children, in His time.

devotional 1986

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | November 8, 1984

Elder Ballard shares how the Church is growing on an international scene and urges members to follow the counsel of the prophet to share the gospel.

devotional 1984

Richard Lloyd Anderson | August 9, 1983

Richard Lloyd Anderson shares how Paul and Joseph Smith are similar. Both of them received revelation, demonstrated service, and were ultimately martyred.

devotional 1983

Yoshihiko Kikuchi | March 31, 1981

The prophet has directed us to engage in missionary work and share the gospel. Will you listen to his voice and accept the challenge?

devotional 1981

D. Arthur Haycock | September 9, 1980

D. Arthur Haycock gives a tribute to President and Sister Kimball. They are kind, courageous, and obedient to the Lord.

devotional 1980

Ellis T. Rasmussen | May 27, 1980

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1980

Ezra Taft Benson - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Ezra Taft Benson | February 26, 1980

We can show our devotion to the Lord as we follow counsel given through His servant, the prophet. We will be blessed as we heed this counsel.

devotional 1980

LeGrand Richards | November 28, 1978

We believe in the gift of prophecy. We can see today the fulfillment of prophecies from long ago, and they give us faith to follow our living prophets now.

devotional 1978

J. Thomas Fyans | November 7, 1978

Where will you be a millennia from now? If you heed the voice of the prophet and follow his guidance, you will not go astray.

devotional 1978

LeGrand Richards | September 28, 1976

Throughout the scriptures, there are prophecies that testify of the challenges, growth, and opportunities of the Church in our time.

devotional 1976

David B. Haight | March 7, 1976

Elder Haight bears testimony of the divine calling of President Kimball and exhorts students to listen to revelation from the prophet.

devotional 1976

Hugh Nibley | March 1, 1976

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1976

Vaughn J. Featherstone | March 30, 1975

You can gain a personal experience with the Lord just as the disciples and He will tarry with you, as He did with them.

devotional 1975

Roy W. Doxey | July 30, 1974

Latter-day Saints are blessed with living prophets and apostles. We should willingly obey their divinely received counsel.

devotional 1974

Belle S. Spafford | May 29, 1973

Belle Spafford tells stories of prophets she knew and testifies of their calling. While they are all different, each have been called of God.

devotional 1973

Alvin R. Dyer | October 17, 1967

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1967

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | May 4, 1965

Christ warned His apostles not to be deceived but to stay true to His teachings and watch for His coming. The same injunction remains true for us.

devotional 1965

Ezra Taft Benson | February 28, 1962

The prophets have warned us to be careful of incurring debt, and to make every effort to get ourselves out of debt. Don't be in financial bondage.

devotional 1962

Preston Nibley | January 13, 1960

Preston Nibley offers a historical and personal portrait of David O. McKay, including his family, conversion to the gospel, and devotion to the Church.

devotional 1960