What does a prophet do?

[_Stormy Waters]

I've noticed the poster Fence Sitter keeps asking what the prophet does, and in case he missed it, I wanted him to know The Lord has heard his cries. This article in the Ensign should clear up everything.

Church Has Witnessed Historic Changes during President Monson’s Ministry

Some of the highlights

• Under the direction of President Monson and the First Presidency, the Church continues to provide annual worldwide leadership training meetings to assist local priesthood and auxiliary leaders and families in their efforts to serve the members and deepen conversion. The training meetings allow local leaders to receive direction from members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other General Authorities and general auxiliary leaders. The worldwide training has included instruction on using the new administrative handbooks (introduced in 2010), training on conducting effective ward councils, and strengthening the family and the Church through the priesthood.

Are you satisfied now?

[_Fence Sitter]

Not really.

I just may have to expand my question to:
What is it a LDS Prophet does that distinguishes him as such?

If the standard to be a prophet is merely leadership training then there are a lot of prophets in a lot of religions through out the world.

On a side note if the changes are so historic why aren't they canonized? What happened to a Church that keeps its records as sacred history?

[_Stormy Waters]

Well Fence Sitter if you don't think Monson continuing to hold church meetings is a historic change and a sign of his prophetic calling then I don't know what will convince you.

[_Bazooka]

What is it a LDS Prophet does that distinguishes him as such?

He is available to appear at the opening of Malls and Banks. He can even be persuaded to say a prayer to the CEO to ensure commercial success.

What does a Prophet do? He profits.

[_The Mighty Builder]

I've noticed the poster Fence Sitter keeps asking what the prophet does, and in case he missed it, I wanted him to know The Lord has heard his cries. This article in the Ensign should clear up everything.

Church Has Witnessed Historic Changes during President Monson’s Ministry

Some of the highlights

• Under the direction of President Monson and the First Presidency, the Church continues to provide annual worldwide leadership training meetings to assist local priesthood and auxiliary leaders and families in their efforts to serve the members and deepen conversion. The training meetings allow local leaders to receive direction from members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other General Authorities and general auxiliary leaders. The worldwide training has included instruction on using the new administrative handbooks (introduced in 2010), training on conducting effective ward councils, and strengthening the family and the Church through the priesthood.

Are you satisfied now?

Sorry to contradict you Stormy Waters, But a TRUE Prophet Prophesies such as the Prophet Warren Jeffs. Since his imprisonment, the Prophet Warren has produced a BOOK FULL of Prophecies

http://www.worldcat.org/title/message-t ... /820736643

Message to all nations

Author: Warren Jeffs; Jesus Christ.; Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Publisher: [Colorado City, Ariz. : Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], ©2012.

Edition/Format: Book : EnglishView all editions and formats

Summary: A compendium of prophecies attributed to Jesus Christ by Warren S. Jeffs during 2010-2012, principally at Palestine, Texas.

[_Chap]

Didn't you miss out some of the more interesting headings in that catalog entry?

Notes: "President Warren S. Jeffs, Mouthpiece of God, Jesus Christ, Author"--T.p. verso.
Description: liii, 854 p. ; 25 cm. + 1 letter of transmittal ([1] p. ; 28 cm.)
Other Titles: Jesus Christ message to all nations
Responsibility: Jesus Christ.

...

Related Subjects:(6)

Pedophilia -- Religious aspects.

...

[_The Mighty Builder]

Didn't you miss out some of the more interesting headings in that catalog entry?

Notes: "President Warren S. Jeffs, Mouthpiece of God, Jesus Christ, Author"--T.p. verso.
Description: liii, 854 p. ; 25 cm. + 1 letter of transmittal ([1] p. ; 28 cm.)
Other Titles: Jesus Christ message to all nations
Responsibility: Jesus Christ.

...

Related Subjects:(6)

Pedophilia -- Religious aspects.

...

LOL. I didn't notice that.

[_beanboots]

Not really.

I just may have to expand my question to:
What is it a LDS Prophet does that distinguishes him as such?

If the standard to be a prophet is merely leadership training then there are a lot of prophets in a lot of religions through out the world.

On a side note if the changes are so historic why aren't they canonized? What happened to a Church that keeps its records as sacred history?

He sets apart sealers for the temples. He sits on numerous committees for missionaries, public relations, and CES. He reviews cancellation of sealing applications. He interviews those recommended for the office of patriarch. He participates in temple dedicatory sessions. He has the weekly meeting in the temple with the council of the first presidency and the quorum of the twelve.

He attends funerals, goes to community functions and banquets, meets with administrators, and I am sure has medical appointments and personal time for reflection and study.

[_Fence Sitter]

He sets apart sealers for the temples. He sits on numerous committees for missionaries, public relations, and CES. He reviews cancellation of sealing applications. He interviews those recommended for the office of patriarch. He participates in temple dedicatory sessions. He has the weekly meeting in the temple with the council of the first presidency and the quorum of the twelve.

He attends funerals, goes to community functions and banquets, meets with administrators, and I am sure has medical appointments and personal time for reflection and study.

True but what you just described would be normal (for corresponding similar type of activities) for any other head of a church and in fact are normal, for the most part, for the other leaders of the LDS Church who are not the prophet.

What is it President Monson does that distinguishes him as God's only appointed prophet here on earth?

For example Joseph Smith would tell people specific instructions that God wanted them to have.
Joseph Smith would prophecy in God's name. Joseph Smith would received inspired revelations from God that would become part of the canon.

What actions does Monson engage in that can be viewed in a prophetic role?

[_beanboots]

He sets apart sealers for the temples. He sits on numerous committees for missionaries, public relations, and CES. He reviews cancellation of sealing applications. He interviews those recommended for the office of patriarch. He participates in temple dedicatory sessions. He has the weekly meeting in the temple with the council of the first presidency and the quorum of the twelve.

He attends funerals, goes to community functions and banquets, meets with administrators, and I am sure has medical appointments and personal time for reflection and study.

True but what you just described would be normal (for corresponding similar type of activities) for any other head of a church and in fact are normal, for the most part, for the other leaders of the LDS Church who are not the prophet.

What is it President Monson does that distinguishes him as God's only appointed prophet here on earth?

For example Joseph Smith would tell people specific instructions that God wanted them to have.
Joseph Smith would prophecy in God's name. Joseph Smith would received inspired revelations from God that would become part of the canon.

What actions does Monson engage in that can be viewed in a prophetic role?

I understand your point and your adept historical perspective. But keep in mind - the Church has at least 5,000,000 active members (according to Dehlin). So the personal revelatory experiences that were once had are rather impractical.

We could always resort to the standard explanation I suppose, and say that the prophet has the ability and keys to receive revelation on behalf of the entire church and bishops and stake presidents are entitled to receive revelation on behalf of their respective wards and stakes.

But I do agree with your assessment. But that's where patriarchs come in now.

I would have loved to live in the early days of the church.