Study Guide for "Motions of a Hidden Fire"

In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, President Jeffrey R. Holland shares his recent experiences with loss, illness, and revelation. He discusses the power of prayer, the importance of faith, and the eternal nature of our existence. Through his experiences, he bears testimony of the love of God and the necessity of deep commitment to our covenants.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What did President Holland learn from his recent experiences of loss and illness?
How does President Holland describe the power and importance of prayer?
What does President Holland teach about the eternal nature of our existence?
What is President Holland's testimony of God's love and the importance of our covenants?

Topics

Experiencing Personal Trials and Loss

President Holland shares his personal experiences of loss, specifically the passing of his beloved wife, Pat, and his own health crisis. These experiences were painful and challenging but also taught him important spiritual lessons.

The most personal and painful of all these recent experiences has been the passing of my beloved wife, Pat.

Another experience began 48 hours after my wife’s burial. At that time, I was rushed to the hospital in an acute medical crisis.

How did President Holland describe his experiences of loss and illness?
What spiritual lessons did President Holland learn from these experiences?
What trials or losses have you experienced recently?
What spiritual lessons have you learned from these experiences?
How have these experiences affected your faith and testimony?

Recognizing the Power of Prayer

President Holland testifies of the power of prayer, both in his own life and in general. He emphasizes that God hears and responds to every prayer, even if the answers are not what we expect or desire.

I testify that God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection.

Our prayers are our sweetest hour, our most sincere desire, our simplest, purest form of worship.

How does President Holland describe the power of prayer?
What does he teach about how God responds to our prayers?
How have you experienced the power of prayer in your own life?
How have you seen God respond to your prayers, even if the answers were not what you expected or desired?
How can you improve your personal prayer life?

Emphasizing the Eternal Nature of Our Existence

President Holland emphasizes the eternal nature of our existence, including the reality of eternal life and the importance of preparing for it. He testifies of Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life for those who are faithful.

Against that backdrop of Christ’s victory over death and His recent gift to me of a few more weeks or months in mortality, I bear solemn witness of the reality of eternal life and the need for us to be serious in our planning for it.

What does President Holland teach about the eternal nature of our existence?
What does he testify about Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life?
How does the eternal nature of our existence affect your perspective on life and your choices?
How are you preparing for eternal life?
What steps can you take to better prepare for eternity?

Urging Deep Commitment to Our Covenants

President Holland urges us to be deeply committed to our covenants, not just nominal members of the Church. He emphasizes the need for faith, repentance, and obedience to the teachings of the Church and its leaders.

I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples.

We need to believe in angels and miracles and the promises of the holy priesthood. We need to believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the influence of good families and friends, and the power of the pure love of Christ.

What does President Holland teach about the importance of being deeply committed to our covenants?
What does he emphasize as necessary for our faith and obedience?
How would you describe your current level of commitment to your covenants?
What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to your covenants?
How can you strengthen your faith and obedience to the teachings of the Church and its leaders?

Expressing Gratitude for Divine Help and Support

President Holland expresses his deep gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his trials. He testifies that God hears and responds to our prayers, and he encourages us to recognize and appreciate the divine help and support we receive in our lives.

It was a renewed witness of and endless gratitude for the resolute prayers of this Church—your prayers—of which I have been the beneficiary.

With my own happiness doubled by wonder, I thank all of you and thank my Father in Heaven, who heard your prayers and blessed my life.

How does President Holland express his gratitude for the prayers and support he received?
What does he teach about recognizing and appreciating divine help and support in our lives?
How have you experienced divine help and support in your life?
How can you better recognize and appreciate this divine help and support?
How can you show your gratitude for the prayers and support you receive from others?