General Conference Preparations and Feelings

In preparation of the April 2023 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’ve been thinking of music (non-LDS) that has brought me closer to Christ. This music has stirred feelings in my soul about what will happen, what topics will be addressed, and what announcements will be proclaimed.

I am a big U2 fan. Their music has touched me over the years and was a big part of how I could express my emotions growing up. The song that keeps coming back to me as I prepare for General Conference is “40” off the War album.

I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He lift me up out of the pits
Out of the miry clay

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?

He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and hear

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?

“40” – U2, War

As I prepare for conference, I am “waiting patiently for the Lord” to hear my cry. I want to be “brought up out of the pit, out of the miry clay” of my weaknesses and be ready for His word to be taught during conference. Indeed this is the “new song” I’m singing this week; that I might be forgiven and ready to receive inspiration and guidance.

During conference, “He [will] set my feet upon the rock” as He will with others. Our footsteps can be made more firm by listening to the speakers and The Holy Ghost to receive insight into our lives. We can be placed more solidly on the covenant path.

Conference is also a time where “many will see and hear”. Our eyes can be opened to greater understanding. Our ears can be tuned more fully to His word. The teachings of Jesus can be expounded and implemented in greater measure in our lives.

We then can go on to “sing a new song” about the things we have learned, the testimonies that have been strengthened, and the Spirit that has filled us anew.

“How long to sing this song?” For me, longer than the six months until the next conference. Also, it will be sung every day to help me remember the change that occurred because of conference.

I’m also sure that “Gloria” from the October album will resonate with me.

I try to sing this song
I, I try to stand up
But I can’t find my feet
I try, I try to speak up
But only in you I’m complete

Gloria, in te domine
Gloria, exultate
Gloria, gloria
Oh Lord, loosen my lips

I try to sing this song
I, I try to get in
But I can’t find the door
The door is open
You’re standing there
You let me in

Gloria, in te domine
Gloria, exultate
Oh Lord, if I had anything
Anything at all
I’d give it to you
I’d, I’d give it to you

Give it to you
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Gloria, in te domine
Gloria
Gloria
Gloria, in te domine
Gloria
Gloria, in te domine
Gloria
Gloria
Gloria, in te domine
Gloria
Gloria

“Gloria” – U2, October

Have you ever tried to express glory to God but found you couldn’t? I have. I have also found that I’m only complete in Christ and His Church. “Gloria in te domine” (Glory in you, Lord), “Gloria, exultate” (Glory, exalt Him) is how I feel when I think of His plan and how that plan is made clearer through the words of Prophets, Apostles, and Church leaders.

I love the line “The door is open, you’re standing there, you let me in.” “Knock and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). He is there waiting for us to knock and General Conference is a great time to knock and let His door be opened to us.

Conclusion

As you prepare for conference, “[wait] patiently for the Lord” and He will hear your cry. Let Him lift you out of the pit and clay and set your feet upon the rock and make your footsteps firm. Then you can become complete in Him and sing Gloria! in te domine! Gloria! Exultate! He will give you a new song to sing that you can sing for however long it takes.