Our Constant Companion
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking class members to share experiences they've had where they felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
- Start with a discussion about the role of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Ask class members to share scriptures or teachings that have helped them understand this role.
- Open the lesson by sharing a personal experience where you felt the Holy Ghost guiding you. Invite class members to reflect on similar experiences in their own lives.
Topics
Recognizing the Importance of the Holy Ghost
President Eyring emphasized the importance of having the constant influence of the Holy Ghost, especially in the increasingly challenging times we live in. He shared President Nelson's warning about the necessity of the Holy Ghost's guidance for our spiritual survival.
We have heard again President Russell M. Nelson’s warning that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
- Why is the Holy Ghost so crucial in our lives, especially in these challenging times?
- How have you experienced the guiding, directing, and comforting influence of the Holy Ghost in your life?
- What can we do to invite the constant influence of the Holy Ghost?
- How can we better recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost?
- How does the Holy Ghost help us to survive spiritually?
Learning from the Spirit Line Upon Line
President Eyring shared examples from the scriptures, such as the experiences of Nephi and Lehi, to illustrate how we can learn from the Spirit "line upon line". He emphasized that we can receive what we need from the Spirit when we are ready.
Helaman’s sons were taught and guided by a series of experiences with the Holy Ghost. This assures me that we can be taught by and learn from the Spirit line upon line, receiving what we need, and then when we are ready, we will receive more.
- What does it mean to learn "line upon line" from the Spirit?
- Can you share an experience where you felt you were learning "line upon line" from the Spirit?
- How can we prepare ourselves to be ready to receive more from the Spirit?
- How do the experiences of Nephi and Lehi illustrate the process of learning "line upon line"?
- How can we apply the experiences of Nephi and Lehi in our own lives?
Repenting to Receive the Holy Ghost's Companionship
President Eyring highlighted the importance of repentance in receiving the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He suggested that if we have difficulty in feeling the Holy Ghost, we should ponder whether there is anything we need to repent and receive forgiveness for.
If you find yourself having difficulty in feeling the Holy Ghost, you might ponder whether there is anything for which you might repent and receive forgiveness.
- How does repentance affect our ability to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
- Why is it important to repent regularly?
- How has repentance helped you to feel the Holy Ghost's companionship more fully?
- What can we do to make repentance a more regular part of our lives?
- How can we recognize when we need to repent?
Aligning Our Motives with the Savior's
President Eyring taught that our motives must align with the Savior's if we hope to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He encouraged us to desire what the Savior wants and to pray for His will to be done.
The key for me and for you is to want what the Savior wants. Our motives need to be driven by the pure love of Christ. Our prayers need to be “All I want is what you want. Thy will be done.”
- How do our motives affect our ability to receive the Holy Ghost's companionship?
- What does it mean to want what the Savior wants?
- How can we align our motives with the Savior's?
- What changes might we need to make in our lives to have our motives be driven by the pure love of Christ?
- How can our prayers reflect our desire for the Savior's will to be done?
The Holy Ghost Testifies of Jesus Christ
President Eyring emphasized that the most precious truth the Holy Ghost testifies of is that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of God. He shared experiences that illustrated how the Holy Ghost can guide and comfort us, and testify of truth to us.
Of all the things of which the Holy Ghost testifies, the most precious for us is that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of God.
- Why is the testimony of Jesus Christ the most precious truth the Holy Ghost can testify of?
- How have you felt the Holy Ghost testify of Jesus Christ in your life?
- How does the Holy Ghost's testimony of Jesus Christ strengthen our faith?
- What experiences have you had where the Holy Ghost has guided and comforted you?
- How can we invite the Holy Ghost to testify of truth to us?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we better recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives?
- What are some obstacles that might prevent us from feeling the Holy Ghost's companionship?
- How can we help others to recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost?
- What can we learn from the experiences of Nephi and Lehi about receiving revelations from the Holy Ghost?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ enable us to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
- How does the Holy Ghost help us to understand and apply the teachings of the scriptures in our lives?
- How can we prepare ourselves to receive more from the Holy Ghost?
- How does the Holy Ghost help us to make important decisions in our lives?
- How does the Holy Ghost comfort us in times of difficulty or sorrow?
- How can we seek the Holy Ghost's guidance in our daily lives?
