Before I left for Christmas break, my stake president called and informed me that our stake was conducting the fireside with President Monson. I was then asked to give the closing prayer. I hesitated out of astonishment and agreed to do it.
I tried to not think about it too much and only told a few people (namely my family and LeGrand). But the next Sunday, my Bishop announced, as he was informed of the matter, that I would be giving the prayer. As the time came closer, the ward only grew louder.
Finally, January 11 came. The day seemed like any other, and after church I did my normal routine of lunch, guitar, and calling home. Around 4, I read a talk by President Eyring on being a voice of warning. Feeling the Spirit, I pulled out a pen and a 8x5 notecard and started writing some ideas. I avoided memorizing the prayer, but I recorded specific wording to keep it concise. Then I darted off to the Marriot Center.
At 5 I was debriefed. At 5:30 I met Thomas S. Monson. At 6 I was sitting on the stand right in view of the camera wi
th a straight face, unsure of what I should look like. (my eyes kept darting left and right to look at the tv screens) At 6:55, President Monson concluded and the choir sang and a few minutes later my Stake President nodded in my direction. I took a few steps, making sure I didn't hit the obtrusive microphone. I closed my eyes (its just you and the Lord, just as it has been for the past 22 years) and started.Before I knew it, I said "Amen" and turned to walk to my seat. The Prophet turned and thanked me from his chair to which I mumbled some sort of gratitude back. I was grabbing my things when I heard his voice say, "Where is the young man that gave the closing prayer?" I looked up and acknowledged it was I, to which he said, "Here you go, young man
." What he gave me was his copy of his talk, signed and dated. I felt like Charlie with the golden ticket. I'm sure I had a baffled look on my face.So there you have it. One prayer I can't forget. After all, it's recorded and on the Web.
