With expressions of tenderness in his words and voice as he spoke of President Ezra Taft Benson, President Thomas S. Monson conducted the first session of the 161st Annual General Conference and delivered the opening address.

President Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, noted in the Saturday morning session that it is customary for the Church president to welcome the conference congregation and to deliver the opening message."With all his noble heart, President Benson would desire to stand at this pulpit and bear to you his witness concerning the truth of this work, the gratitude he feels for your prayers and his fervent hope that all of us may so live as to merit and receive the abundant blessings a loving Heavenly Father desires to bestow," said President Monson.

"Tears come easily to the eyes of our prophet when he receives letters written by children in which they express their greetings and send to him their love. President Benson is a family man who loves his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren and, indeed, children everywhere in this wonderful world in which we live."

He said that President Benson suggested that he begin the conference with a brief message in the prophet's behalf. President Monson told conference-goers that President Benson is pleased that the president of the United States had proclaimed that April 5-7 be designated as days of prayer and that sincere expressions of gratitude ascend to heaven for the end of the war in the Middle East.

"The First Presidency," continued President Monson, "has commented, `We are thankful for the resolution of the war, and it is our fervent hope and prayer that all nations involved will work in concert for a lasting peace. The collective prayers of the nation and the world should focus not only on a lasting peace but also on the needs of the many on both sides who lost loved ones and endured suffering in the conflict.' "

President Monson said the prophet has stated that the price of peace is righteousness. He further quoted President Benson: "Men and nations may loudly proclaim, `Peace, peace,' but there shall be no peace until individuals nurture in their souls those principles of personal purity, integrity and character which foster the development of peace."

He said that President Benson has declared that peace cannot be imposed, that it must come from the lives and hearts of men.

He further quoted President Benson: "If we would advance in holiness - increase in favor with God - nothing can take the place of prayer. . . . Give prayer - daily prayer, secret prayer - a foremost place in your lives. Let no day pass without it. Communion with the Almighty has been a source of strength, inspiration and enlightenment through the world's history to men and women who have shaped the destinies of individuals and nations for good."

President Monson said President Benson, in speaking to a large audience in Sao Paulo, Brazil, some time ago testified: "All through my life the counsel to depend on prayer has been prized above almost any other advice I have ever received. It has become an integral part of me, an anchor, a constant source of strength and the basis of my knowledge of things divine.

"Our Heavenly Father is always near. . . . Thank God we can reach out and tap that unseen power, without which no man can do his best."

President Monson said President Benson has frequently quoted the words of a favorite hymn, "Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire," which describes prayer as "the motion of a hidden fire . . . the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear, the upward glancing of an eye. . . . "

President Monson said, "The words of testimony spoken by President Benson are particularly appropriate on this special day of prayer and thanksgiving. He said, `I testify that there is a God in heaven who hears and answers prayers. I know this to be true, for He has answered mine. I would humbly urge all within the sound of my voice to keep in close touch with our Father in Heaven, through prayer.' "

In concluding his remarks, President Monson said he heartily endorsed "this plea of our prophet and president."

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- "It was this day, April 6, that The Church of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith," said President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, as he opened the Saturday morning session.

The session, which was attended by President Ezra Taft Benson, commenced on the 161st anniversary of the restoration of the Church. Outside, the sky was overcast, but the weather and the hearts of those attending the conference were warm. President Monson, who conducted the session, epitomized this warmth as he hugged Elder H. Verlan Andersen of the Seventy at the close of the session.

The Mormon Youth Chorus, directed by Robert C. Bowden and with Clay Christiansen at the organ, performed a variety of musical selections and joined with the congregation for "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel."

Elder John H. Groberg of the Seventy offered the invocation, while Elder Andersen gave the benediction.