Preparing Spiritually, Emotionally, and Physically

The best time to begin preparing to be a happy and successful missionary is today! The Lord requires our hearts, might, mind and strength. We invite you to pray for inspiration to recognize ways in which you need to improve and implement a plan to develop habits that will bless you as a missionary and the rest of your life.

Before you arrive, we strongly encourage you to read The Book of Mormon from cover to cover, beginning with the title page.  “The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion.” (PMG p. 113) Please look for the many references to the Savior Jesus Christ as well as missionary passages throughout the Book and mark them in your scriptures.  They will be very valuable to you as you discover the similarities that you share with great missionaries such as Alma and Amulek, the sons of Mosiah and many others.

Habits for Spiritual Health 

  1. Pray regularly and learn to recognize and follow the impressions of the Holy Ghost.
  2. Read and study The Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel every day. 
  3. Memorize favorite scriptures.
  4. Keep yourself worthy. Practice obeying and repenting daily. If past sins weigh you down, talk with your bishop now. He will help you. Develop a habit of sincere daily repentance. This will help you grow and give you confidence to move forward.
  5. Memorize our missionary purpose, as found on the first page of Preach My Gospel. Write what it means in your journal.

Habits for Emotional and Physical Health 

The life of a missionary is physically strenuous and you will need to be strong mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

  1. Exercise in an enjoyable way at least 30 minutes every day. Get your heart rate up. 
  2. Eat balanced meals. Gather and practice making recipes that are healthy, simple to prepare, and that you like to eat and that make you feel good.
  3. The transition to missionary life is eased if you become acclimated to the schedule before you arrive. Begin following the missionary sleep schedule, going to bed early and waking early.
  4. Read and become familiar with “Adjusting to Missionary Life”. Learn to recognize how you react to stress. As a missionary you will need to manage stress in ways that are consistent with mission rules. Find what works for you.
  5.  Reduce your use of technology, start talking with more people and learn how to have conversations about the Gospel.