Those who listen attentively to General Conference talks will often recognize words and phrases that sound familiar or that are clearly quoted from other sources, such as the scriptures, hymns, or the words of other modern Church leaders.
The language we hear in this inspired setting is often saturated with sacred speech. Some of these words and phrases seem to be repeated frequently, becoming “treasured words” in the vocabulary of the Church. Some recognizable recent examples include:
- “tender mercies” (1 Nephi 1:20; 8:8; referenced 24 times)
- “the plan of salvation/happiness” (Jarom 1:2; Alma 42:8; referenced 597 times)
- “a marvelous work and a wonder” (2 Nephi 25:17; referenced 56 times)
- “eat, drink, and be merry” (2 Nephi 28:7; referenced 39 times)
- “plain and precious” (1 Nephi 13:40; referenced 29 times)
- “the field is white already to harvest” (D&C 4:4; referenced 25 times)
- “seek ye out of the best books” (D&C 88:118; referenced 58 times)
- “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118; referenced 52 times)
- “the worth of souls is great” (D&C 18:10; referenced 77 times)