In opening the 178th Semiannual General Conference on Oct. 4, President Thomas S. Monson recounted some events that had taken place throughout the worldwide Church during the six months since last April's general conference.

In part, he spoke of the missionary force serving throughout the world, seeking out those who are searching for the truths which are found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

During the previous six months he had met with leaders of countries and with representatives of governments. "Those with whom I've met feel kindly toward the Church and our members, and they have been cooperative and accommodating," he said. "There remain, however, areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely.

"As did President Spencer W. Kimball over 32 years ago, I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. As we prayed then in response to President Kimball's pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened. Such will transpire again as we pray with faith."

Many inspired messages were delivered during the conference. Much was taught. The Spirit's presence was felt. Perhaps one of the the most singular moments of the conference transpired as President Monson urged members to pray for the opening of areas so that more people might share in the joy of the gospel.

Think about it: A prophet of the Lord reiterated the words of an earlier prophet, asking members to pray now as they prayed then, and promised that just as miracles were wrought as a result of those prayers with the opening of countries to missionary work, "such will transpire again as we pray with faith."

As conference approaches every six months, there seems to be a tendency among members to wonder, even ask, what messages might be delivered. Members of the Church throughout the world yearn to know especially what the Lord's prophet will say.

An answer was given during this latest conference: We were asked to pray that the gospel will be allowed to be shared freely in those areas of the world where the influence of the Church is limited and where missionaries are not now allowed to share the gospel message.

We have been given specific instruction, even direction, from the Lord's prophet in our day.

Earlier this year, we witnessed the mantle of the prophet fall, as it were, upon the shoulders of Thomas S. Monson. At last April's general conference, the membership of the Church sustained him as prophet, seer and revelator, the one individual who holds all the priesthood keys necessary for the administration of the Church of Jesus Christ. We have no doubt that the Lord chose and raised him up for such a time as this.

The Lord speaks through His prophet today as surely as He did in days of old and in the days from the Restoration of His Gospel. The words of President Thomas S. Monson are as important, even crucial, for us today as were the words of Moses, Noah, Elijah and other prophets in their dispensations, or of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and other prophets in these latter days.

Through His prophet today, the Lord has made known to us His will. If we do as we have been counseled, we will witness more miracles unfold as missionaries are called to minister among peoples of the world who, at the present, are deprived of the gospel's joyful message.

May we gather in conference not only to listen to a prophet's voice but also to heed the counsel given through that voice.