Read:
4 Nephi 1:2-3 or Acts 4:33-35

Explain:
We read in the scriptures of Zion communities, where people held all things in common. The early Saints, too, tried to create such communities; and while we no longer live under the united order today, Latter-day Saints still embrace the principles of consecration and cooperation. People throughout the world apply similar principles when they form cooperatives--jointly owned and democratically operated private enterprises. Worldwide, cooperatives provide employment for more than 100 million people, helping to eliminate poverty while encouraging self-reliance in communities. The International Day of Cooperatives aims to publicize and strengthen the international cooperative movement. The International Cooperative Alliance, founded in 1895, has been celebrating an international cooperatives day since 1923.

Pray:

• Give thanks for the LDS heritage of cooperative enterprise.
• Give thanks that the principle of cooperation is gaining acceptance worldwide.
• Pray for the success of cooperatives.
• Pray that throughout the world, selfishness will continue to give way to a spirit of cooperation.