I need to keep oil more handy than I have recently.

We must always be prepared to exercise our priesthood at a moment’s notice. That preparation is more than having oil handy – it requires developing power in the priesthood (equal to our authority as President Eggett told me).

The preparation for rising generations is not only to call God’s power down to heal the sick, it is to be ready to do whatever your are called upon to do for the Kingdom of God

1. Have Faith
• You must have faith that God lives and that you have won his approval to call down that power
• Nephi’s faith did not come in the moment that he needed it, neither did the Lord’s confidence in Nephi come in that moment.
• The Lord’s confidence in Nephi came because He had evidence that Nephi believed in Revelation, sought it, and followed it.
• The Aaronic Priesthood is meant as preparation for greater responsibility in the Melchizedek Priesthood later.
2. Have confidence that we can live up to the expectations of God

How interesting that one week after feeling inspired to follow the example of President Eyring to be ready to use the priesthood at any time I was called to preside over the Elder’s Quorum.

The young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and even their fathers might think that I am a little extreme in my preparation. Some of us thought we should copy you.

When the call came, I was ready. The preparation was far more than having consecrated oil close at hand. It must begin long before the crisis which requires priesthood power. Those who are prepared will be ready to answer.

The preparation begins in families, in Aaronic Priesthood quorums, and mostly in the private lives of young men. The quorums and the families must help, but the preparation that counts will be made by the young men making choices to rise to their great destiny as priesthood servants for God.

I will tell you two of the things you will need and the preparation it takes to be ready:

1. The first is to have faith. The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. It is the right to call down the powers of heaven. So you must have faith that God lives and that you have won His confidence to allow you to use His power for His purposes.
2. The second thing they will need is confidence that they can live up to the blessings and the trust which God has offered them.
   

   We must never use compulsion in any degree of unrighteousness.

   This leaves open the possibility that there is a righteous compulsion available at times.

   It is my prayer that we will be determined to do better every day to prepare the rising generation. Each time I see a bottle of consecrated oil, I will remember this night and the feeling I have now of wanting to do more to help young men prepare for their days of service and opportunity.