Preparing For a Mission

Preparing for a mission
Is a serious task
It takes spiritual vision
And a desire to ask

It is a time of repentance
With a bar raised for your self
Oft times with persistence...
It is honorable to seek help

Learn to be social... and get along
As you obey the golden rule
For when you love people- it isn't long
Their heart strings, back at you, pull

Work out for fun and gain strength
As self-discipline does ever pay
You'll accomplish much at length
To lighten your steps along the way

Become mentally sharp
And attend seminary
For a gospel scholar
Is quite extraordinary

Then... most of all- be clean
In thoughts and deed- give your best
Keep on developing and dream
Even when trials come to test

As you stand up for what you believe
Honor your God-given priesthood
There's an armor that won't leave
A powerful force meant for good

Then as a means of practice
Speak to all within your reach
For there's an influence you'll notice
As the Holy Ghost lights what you teach

thoughts from a talk by Nicholas Grondel
Suggested reading-
Preach My Gospel and What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission by John Bytheway
Elder L. Aldin Porter of the Presidency of the Seventy said that “Every young man should fill a mission. While every young man should serve a mission, we realize that every young man is not physically, emotionally, or morally prepared. If such young men would go to their bishop, confide to him their problem, and sincerely repent, they may yet fill honorable missions. We, your Brethren, sincerely invite you to prepare.”

Elder Robert L. Backman said that we must prepare physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. And...We have discovered that the best way to prepare for a mission is to have the spiritual experience of teaching the gospel to others before you are called. We urge you to reach out to your friends, help teach them the gospel by teaming with the full-time or the stake missionaries, bearing your testimonies in that atmosphere. You will then become acquainted with how the Holy Spirit works to guide others to the truth, and you will recognize its sweet influence in your own experience.