What Elder Andersen said at April 2023 general conference

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Sunday morning session of April 2023 general conference. He used Alma’s phrase in the Book of Mormon — “my mind caught hold upon this thought” — to illustrate what it looks like to focus attention on Christ. Following is a summary of what he said.

Elder Andersen’s talk summary

While Alma’s mind was “harrowed up by the memory of [his] many sins,” he remembered being taught in his youth about Jesus Christ atoning for the sins of the world (Alma 36:17). Alma’s mind “caught hold upon this thought,” and he cried within his heart, “O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me” (Alma 36:18). Acting in faith, and by God’s power and grace, Alma was rescued from despair and filled with hope.

“My prayer at this Easter season is that we will more consciously shape, strengthen and secure this preeminent thought of Jesus Christ in the chambers of our soul, allowing it to eagerly flow into our mind, guiding us in what we think and do, and continually bringing the sweet joy of the Savior’s love.”

Filling one’s mind with His power means thoughts of Him are always present. By focusing attention on Him, everything is viewed through love for Him and less important distractions fade.

“As you continue to attentively catch hold of this thought of Jesus Christ, trust in Him and keep His commandments, I promise you not only heavenly guidance but heavenly power — power that brings strength to your covenants, peace to your difficulties and joy to your blessings.”

Notable quotes

My prayer at this Easter season is that we will more consciously shape, strengthen, and secure this preeminent thought of Jesus Christ in the chambers of our soul.

Our love for Him does not shield us from the sadness and sorrow in this mortal life, but it allows us to walk through the challenges with a strength far beyond our own.

As your mind remains firmly and forever upon the thought of Jesus Christ, and as you continue to focus your life more fully on the Savior, I promise you that you will feel His hope, His peace and His love.

See the full text of Elder Andersen’s talk: ‘My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought’

Who is Elder Andersen?

Elder Neil L. Andersen was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 4, 2009. He was called as a General Authority Seventy in 1993. He managed the development of the film “The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd” and supervised the initial launch of Mormon.org, now ComeUntoChrist.org.
Elder Andersen served a mission in France from 1970 to 1972, presided over the France Bordeaux Mission from 1989 to 1992, and accompanied President Henry B. Eyring as he dedicated the Paris France Temple on May 21, 2017. In addition to English, he speaks French, Portuguese and Spanish.
He met his wife, Sister Kathy Williams Andersen, while attending Brigham Young University. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1975, and are the parents of four children.
Elder Andersen worked as an advertising executive and later as a vice president of Morton Plant Health System.

What has Elder Andersen done recently?

Read more of Elder Andersen’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.