The prophet holds all priesthood keys and leads the Church as directed by the Lord.

April 2008, Talk #1

We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is Christ's true church.

Heavenly father has called a very special person to help us understand what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to do while we are here on the earth.

This man speaks with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Then he tells each of us what they have said. This man is called a Prophet. He is the leader of our church.

Our prophet today is President Thomas S. Monson. He was called to be the prophet after President Hinkley died earlier this year.

Joseph Smith was the first president of the church. Jesus Christ gave him the authority to use the priesthood to bless the members of the church. This authority is known as "Priesthood Keys".

Just like you have a key to open the door of your house when it is locked, priesthood keys open the door to Heavenly Fathers blessings and the ordinances necessary to return to live with Heavenly Father.

Without priesthood keys, we could not be baptized or receive the gift of the holy ghost. These keys also make it possible for our families to be sealed so that we can be together forever.

President Monson holds all of the priesthood keys necessary to do the Lord's work here on earth. He shares these keys with others when he calls Apostles, Stake Presidents and Bishops so that they can help with the lord's work.

I know that we are led by a prophet of god. I know that he is directed by the Lord. I know that he holds the keys of the priesthood and that because he does, I can receive all the ordinances necessary to live with heavenly father again one day.