“Draw Near unto Me”
Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
President Eyring invites us to draw closer to the Savior through prayer, scripture study, and service.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking the class to reflect on a time when they felt particularly close to the Savior. Invite a few to share their experiences.
- Start with a brief discussion on the meaning of "drawing near" to someone in everyday life, and then relate it to our relationship with the Savior.
- Play a recording of the hymn "Abide with Me; ’Tis Eventide" and discuss the feelings it evokes about closeness to the Savior.
- Share a personal story or testimony of a moment when you felt the Savior's presence in your life.
- Invite class members to ponder silently on how they can draw nearer to the Savior in their daily lives.
Topics
Accept the Savior's Invitation to Draw Near
President Eyring emphasized the Savior's invitation to draw near to Him. He explained that by remembering Christ, studying scriptures, and praying, we can feel the Savior's love and presence in our lives.
“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
- What does it mean to you to "draw near" to the Savior?
- How have you felt the Savior draw near to you in response to your efforts?
- What are some ways you can improve your scripture study to seek the Savior diligently?
- How does heartfelt prayer help you feel closer to the Savior?
- Can you share an experience where you felt the Savior's presence during a difficult time?
Communicate with the Savior Like a Friend
President Eyring compared drawing near to the Savior with maintaining a friendship. By communicating through prayer and cherishing His messages, we strengthen our bond with Him.
“It is what you would do if you were separated for a time from dear friends. You would find a way to communicate with them, you would cherish any message you received from them, and you would do all you could to help them.”
- How can we make our prayers more like a conversation with a friend?
- What messages from the Savior have you cherished recently?
- In what ways can we "help" the Savior as we would a friend?
- How does building a relationship with the Savior compare to building relationships with others?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in communicating with the Savior?
Obedience Leads to Closeness with Christ
President Eyring shared personal experiences of feeling close to the Savior through simple acts of obedience, such as partaking of the sacrament and studying scriptures.
“I experienced the joy of coming closer to the Savior—and of His coming closer to me—through simple acts of obedience to the commandments.”
- How has obedience to commandments helped you feel closer to the Savior?
- What simple acts of obedience can we focus on to strengthen our relationship with Christ?
- Why is partaking of the sacrament a significant act of obedience?
- Can you share a time when scripture study brought you closer to the Savior?
- How can we encourage others to find joy in obedience?
Be Witnesses of Christ Through Service
President Eyring urged members to be witnesses of Christ by serving others. He explained that as we serve, we fulfill our baptismal covenant and draw nearer to the Savior.
“As you are faithful to these promises, you will find that the Lord keeps His promise to be one with you in your service, making your burdens light.”
- What does it mean to be a witness of Christ in our daily lives?
- How can serving others help us draw nearer to the Savior?
- What experiences have you had where service brought you closer to Christ?
- How can we better fulfill our baptismal covenant to bear one another’s burdens?
- How does serving others make our own burdens light?
Trust in the Lord's Care for Loved Ones
President Eyring reassured that as we serve the Lord, He will care for our loved ones. He shared the promise given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon about their families" well-being.
“My friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power.”
- How can we find comfort in the Lord's promise to care for our loved ones?
- What steps can we take to trust the Lord with the well-being of our families?
- How does serving the Lord impact our families even when we are away?
- What experiences have strengthened your trust in the Lord's care for your loved ones?
- How can we support each other in trusting the Lord with our families?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to you to 'seek diligently' for the Savior?
- How can we apply the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus to our lives?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping us draw near to the Savior?
- How can we recognize when our hearts 'burn within us' as the disciples did?
- What are some ways we can 'knock' so the Savior will open the door to us?
- How can we ensure that our service to others is done in the name of Christ?
- What does it mean to 'stand as witnesses of God at all times'?
- How can we help those who are wandering off the path to eternal life?
- What are some practical ways to remember the Savior daily?
- How can we prepare for the Day of Judgment by drawing near to the Savior now?
