Dear Sisters and Elders –
Recently, one of our children took an important test at school. The teacher required the students to arrive early in order to receive specific instructions for taking the test. Those that arrived early received an explanation of the unique format, timing, and features of the test. Those that arrived late did not. They took the test without understanding the special instructions.
Like the teacher, God has special instructions for our daily activities. Are we seeking to understand these instructions during our daily planning each night? When we do, we receive the guidance He has for our next day. When we do not, we forgo God’s instruction and are left to our own wisdom.
How can we make daily planning most effective?
First, and most importantly, “PRAY FOR AND SEEK INSPIRATION” when planning (PMG, 147). Our primary objective is to have a divinely inspired plan every day. His plan will always be most productive. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Second, BE CONSISTENT. We are invited to “conduct a planning session at the end of each day” (PMG, 150). Though tired at the end of each day, overcome any temptation to skip or shortcut planning. Consider this a scheduled appointment with God.
Third, “FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE and how to help them progress” (PMG, 147). Who needs help praying, reading the Book of Mormon, attending church, or keeping any other commitment? What can we do to help them?
Fourth, PLAN TO FIND A NEW INVESTIGATOR EACH DAY. If you are struggling with practical finding ideas, review prayerfully Preach My Gospel, Chapter 9 and seek God’s guidance to know which practices will be most effective in your assigned area at this time.
Fifth, “HAVE A MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY PLANNED FOR EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY” (PMG, 150). Identify topics for personal and companion study. Determine meaningful proselyting activities (and back up activities) for each hour. Ask yourself, do these activities help to build others’ faith in Jesus Christ?
Finally, FOLLOW THE WEEKLY PLANNING FORMAT. “Apply the same principles and guidelines in a daily planning session that you follow in a weekly session but in a simpler way” (PMG, 150). Recently, a missionary explained that he and his companion had started to follow more precisely the specific planning format detailed in Preach My Gospel (see pp. 147-150). As they went “line-by-line” through the process, they felt the Holy Ghost begin to take the lead in their planning session.
I invite each of us to develop an inspired plan for each day. As we do, I promise we will be blessed to bring more souls to Christ, find greater joy in our missionary labors, and feel closer to Him.
While inspired planning is essential to missionary work, it is also critical to living productively after the mission. I hope that the planning habits you develop here on your mission will bless you throughout the rest of your life.
I am honored to serve with you in this most important work of bringing souls to Christ.
Sure love you!
President Pingree