'We are all in this together' Pres. Monson reminds Mormon faithful as conference concludes

To read excerpts of talks from the sessions of general conference, click here.

SALT LAKE CITY — President Thomas S. Monson brought "a most inspiring conference" to a close on a warm-but-breezy Sunday afternoon with a prayer that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "realize and understand how close to us (our Heavenly Father) is willing to come, how far he is willing to go to help us, how much he loves us and how much he does and is willing to do for us."

Speaking to the Sunday afternoon session of the 181st Semiannual General Conference of the church in the downtown Conference Center, President Monson offered his assurance to members of the church that "our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today. He loves each of us and will bless us as we strive to keep his commandments and seek him through prayer."

He expressed his appreciation to church members for their service to each other, and to the world.

"We are God's hands here on this earth, with a mandate to love and serve his children," President Monson said. "I thank you for all that you do in your wards and your branches. I express my gratitude for your willingness to serve in the positions to which you are called, whatever they may be. Each is important in furthering the work of the Lord."

He closed by telling church members: "I love you. I pray for you." And he asked for their continued prayers for himself and for all of the general authorities of the church.

"We are one with you in moving forward this marvelous work," he said. "I testify to you that we are all in this together and that every man, woman and child has a part to play. May God give us the strength and the ability and the determination to play our part well."

Earlier in the day President Monson spoke during the morning conference session, recalling how much the world has changed during the 84 years he has lived. He expressed his concern at how rapidly the moral compass of society has been evolving.

"Behaviors which once were considered inappropriate and immoral are now not only tolerated but also viewed by ever so many as acceptable," he said.

But although the world has changed, President Monson said, "the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed; they will not change. The 10 commandments are just that: commandments. They are not suggestions. They are every bit as requisite today as they were when God gave them to the children of Israel."