President C. Shane Reese and Sister Wendy Reese welcomed students and employees back to campus with the first devotional of the fall 2026 semester this morning at the BYU Marriott Center.SISTER WENDY REESEBeginning her remarks, Sister Wendy Reese shared a story about the phenomenon of “selective hearing.” She then invited the audience to make this semester different by focusing on having ears to hear and using daily prayer as an opportunity to listen to what the Father has to say.
Photo by Emma Thomas/BYU Photo
“When we understand our relationship with Heavenly Father, then we begin to understand daily, constant prayer is how we unite ourselves with His point of view,” she shared. “I promise that as you make your prayers more earnest, you will be able to put your trust in Him with all your heart instead of relying on your own understanding.”Sister Reese also spoke about the importance of being patient when waiting for answers to prayer. She explained that while some prayers are answered immediately and clearly, others require patience and faith.She encouraged students who may be waiting for answers to focus on these four things:Wait for answers — but don’t waitImmediately write down thoughts that come to your mindRemember the times the Lord has answered your prayers in the pastTake wisdom to the heart of waiting on the Lord
Sister Reese then returned to the idea of selective hearing, explaining that students can learn to tune out the distractions that compete for their attention. Homework, relationships, notifications, social media, finances and world events can all create noise that makes it difficult to hear the Lord. She invited students to train their spiritual senses to recognize the Lord’s voice and asked, “How will you hear the Lord?”PRESIDENT C. SHANE REESEFollowing Sister Reese’s remarks, President Reese addressed three topics to help students as they begin a new semester: embrace the awkward, the risks of frictionlessness and turn to Jesus Christ.Embrace the AwkwardPresident Reese encouraged students to embrace the uncomfortable moments that come with growth. A new semester brings new roommates, classes, friends, professors and experiences — all bringing with them awkward moments. Rather than avoiding these moments, he encouraged students to see them as “badges of becoming.”
Photo by Emma Thomas/BYU Photo
“Nobody masters anything by staying within the safety of what they already know. There must be productive struggle and frequent failure. So don’t be embarrassed by the stumbles, champion them,” he said.After sharing his own awkward stories, President Reese testified that so much good comes from the productive struggle throughout life. These experiences can teach, shape and prepare for what lies ahead.The Risks of FrictionlessPresident Reese then addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, referencing Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s recent remarks about AI’s impact on BYU’s campus. Sharing an excerpt from a 30-year-old Los Angeles Times article that imagined a future where technology would make everyday life “frictionless,” President Reese warned that this future has become a reality and cautioned against allowing convenience to hinder our growth.While technology can make lives easier, President Reese cautioned against removing too much friction in daily life. The challenges of life can create space for thinking, discernment and growth.“Friction is where discernment lives. It’s where thinking starts,” President Reese said.He invited students to remove their earbuds and bury their phones deep in their backpacks, to make room for awkward moments and real connections with people across campus.Turn to Jesus ChristPresident Reese reminded students that Jesus Christ is the greatest example of looking outward and noticing those around them. The Savior made time for all individuals, including those who were often overlooked, and ministered to them personally.President Reese encouraged students to follow the Savior’s example by slowing down, serving others and making meaningful connections.
Media Contact: Aaron Sorenson
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