Come, Follow Me
October 18th – October 24th
Doctrine and Covenants 121-123
Compiled with love by the Blodgett Family — free to use, share, and enjoy with your family ☺
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Doctrine and Covenants 121-123�“O God, Where Art Thou?”
If we endure our trials well, God will exalt us on high
We must be righteous to have the “powers of heaven.”
Hard times can be for our good
Jesus Christ has descended below all things and strengthens us in our trials
Image above: Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail
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"O God, Where Art Thou?"
"O God, Where Art Thou?"
SCRIPTURE
1 O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
2 How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3 Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?
- Doctrine and Covenants 121:1-3
"O God, Where Art Thou?"
Henry B. Eyring
Of the First Presidency
Many of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us. The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us. God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible. Our own desires, rather than a feeling of “Thy will be done,” create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time.
Our feelings of separation from God will diminish as we become more childlike before Him. That is not easy in a world where the opinions of other human beings can have such an effect on our motives. But it will help us recognize this truth: God is close to us and aware of us and never hides from His faithful children.
- President Henry B. Eyring, “Where Is the Pavilion?,”�General Conference, October 2012
A Child’s Prayer�(Children’s Songbook #12)
MUSIC
1. Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
“Suffer the children to come to me.”
Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.
Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938
© 1984 by Janice Kapp Perry. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
2. Pray, he is there;
Speak, he is list’ning.
You are his child;
His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer;
He loves the children.
Of such is the kingdom,
the kingdom of heav’n.
3rd time, Sing Both Together
"O God, Where Art Thou?"
If we endure our trials well, God will exalt us on high
If we endure our trials well, God will �exalt us on high
SCRIPTURE
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
- Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8
If we endure our trials well, God will �exalt us on high
Anthony D. Perkins
Of the Seventy
While in the midst of trials, we can mistakenly think that God is far away and unconcerned with our pain. Even the Prophet Joseph Smith expressed this feeling at a low point in his life…
Many suffering Saints have shared with me how they felt God’s love during their trials. I vividly recall my own experience at one point in my cancer battle when the doctors had not yet diagnosed the cause of some severe pain. I sat with my wife, intending to offer a routine blessing on our lunch. Instead, all I could do was simply weep, “Heavenly Father, please help me. I am so sick.” For the next 20 to 30 seconds, I was encircled in His love. I was given no reason for my illness, no indication of the ultimate outcome, and no relief from the pain. I just felt of His pure love, and that was and is enough.
I witness that our Heavenly Father, who notes the fall of even a single sparrow, is aware of your suffering.
- Elder Anthony D. Perkins, “Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God,”�General Conference, October 2021
Press Forward Saints �(Hymn Book #81)
MUSIC
1. Press forward, Saints, with steadfast faith in Christ,
With hope's bright flame alight in heart and mind,
With love of God and love of all mankind.
2. Press forward, feasting on the word of Christ.
Receive his name, rejoicing in his might.
Come unto God; find everlasting light.
3. Press on, enduring in the ways of Christ.
His love proclaim thru days of mortal strife.
Thus saith our God: "Ye have eternal life!"
Text: Marvin K. Gardner, b. 1952; based on 2 Nephi 31:20. © 1985 IRI
Music: Vanja Y. Watkins, b. 1938. © 1985 IRI
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Chorus:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
If we endure our trials well, God will �exalt us on high
We must be righteous to have the “powers of heaven.”
We must be righteous to have the �“powers of heaven.”
SCRIPTURE
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
- Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-36, 41-42
We must be righteous to have the �“powers of heaven.”
Janette Hales Beckham
Former Young Women’s General President
The powers of heaven are available to everyone through righteousness. Mormon teaches that “every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ”…Priesthood power is used to minister, to preach, to teach, to baptize, to ordain, to heal, to seal, to restore, to bless, to prophesy, to testify, to do good.
…My plea for each of us is to recognize that God has given each of us power—the power to act, to choose, to serve, to love, and to accomplish much good. Perhaps it is time to take control of ourselves. Our prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, has said, “Be faithful…do good.”…It is my prayer that we will seek the power of righteousness in our lives by following the counsel of the living prophet, and by living the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ…
- Sister Janette Hales Beckham, “The Power of Goodness,”�General Conference, October 1995
I Need My Heavenly Father�(Children’s Songbook #18)
MUSIC
1. I need my Heav’nly Father
To help me ev’ry day.
He wants me to be happy
And choose the righteous way.
He wants me to be happy
And choose the righteous way.
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Words and music: Judith Wirthlin Parker, 1919–2000.
© 1962 IRI
We must be righteous to have the �“powers of heaven.”
Hard times can be for our good
Hard times can be for our good
SCRIPTURE
5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
- Doctrine and Covenants 122:5, 7
Hard times can be for our good
Stanley G. Ellis
Of the Seventy
Do we trust His commandments to be for our good? His leaders, though imperfect, to lead us well? His promises to be sure? Do we trust that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do know us and want to help us? Even in the midst of trials, challenges, and hard times, do we still trust Him?...It seems clear that hard is good! Hard makes us stronger, humbles us, and gives us a chance to prove ourselves…The hard things in our lives should come as no surprise...Hard is part of the gospel plan…
In the world of nature, hard is part of the circle of life. It is hard for a baby chick to hatch out of that tough eggshell. But when someone tries to make it easier, the chick does not develop the strength necessary to live. In a similar way, the struggle of a butterfly to escape the cocoon strengthens it for the life it will live… Regardless of the issue, hard can be good for those who will move forward with faith and trust the Lord and His plan.
- Elder Stanley G. Ellis, “Do We Trust Him? Hard is Good,”�General Conference, October 2017
Nearer, My God to Thee�(Hymn Book #100)
MUSIC
1. Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me.
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
2. Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone,
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
3. There let the way appear,
Steps unto heav’n;
All that thou sendest me,
In mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
4. Then with my waking thoughts
Bright with thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs
Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
Text: Sarah F. Adams, 1805–1848
Music: Lowell Mason, 1792–1872
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
5. Or if, on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
Hard times can be for our good
1:44
Jesus Christ has descended below all things and strengthens us in our trials
Jesus Christ has descended below all things and strengthens us in our trials
SCRIPTURE
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
- Doctrine and Covenants 122:8-9
Jesus Christ has descended below all things and strengthens us in our trials
Dallin H. Oaks
Of the First Presidency
Our Savior experienced and suffered the fulness of all mortal challenges...so He could know “according to the flesh” how to “succor his people according to their infirmities.” He therefore knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all.
…There are millions of God-fearing people who pray to God to be lifted out of their afflictions. Our Savior has revealed that He “descended below all things”. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “Having ‘descended below all things,’ He comprehends, perfectly and personally, the full range of human suffering.” We might even say that having descended beneath it all, He is perfectly positioned to lift us and give us the strength we need to endure our afflictions. We have only to ask.
- President Dallin H. Oaks, “Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” General Conference, October 2015
Where Can I Turn for Peace?�(Hymn Book #129)
MUSIC
1. Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?
2. Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
Text: Emma Lou Thayne, 1924–2014. © 1973 IRI
Music: Joleen G. Meredith, b. 1935. © 1973 IRI
3. He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Jesus Christ has descended below all things and strengthens us in our trials
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power.”
“Let us cheerfully do all things that �lie in our power.”
SCRIPTURE
16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
- Doctrine and Covenants 123:16-17
“Let us cheerfully do all things that �lie in our power.”
Ronald A. Rasband
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“Be of good cheer, and do not fear,” the Lord has said. Why? How, when challenges face us at every turn? Because of the promise made by Jesus Christ: “I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”
President Nelson describes the restored gospel as “a message of joy!” And he explains, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
- Elder Ronald A. Rasband, “The Things of My Soul,”�General Conference, October 2021
We Are All Enlisted�(Hymn Book #250)
MUSIC
1. We are all enlisted till the conflict is o’er;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there’s a bright crown in store;
We shall win and wear it by and by.
Haste to the battle, quick to the field;
Truth is our helmet, buckler, and shield.
Stand by our colors; proudly they wave!
We’re joyfully, joyfully marching to our home
2. Hark! the sound of battle sounding loudly and clear;
Come join the ranks! Come join the ranks!
We are waiting now for soldiers; who’ll volunteer?
Rally round the standard of the cross.
Hark! ’tis our Captain calls you today;
Lose not a moment, make no delay!
Fight for our Savior; come, come away!
We’re joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.
3. Fighting for a kingdom, and the world is our foe;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Glad to join the army, we will sing as we go;
We shall gain the vict’ry by and by.
Dangers may gather—why should we fear?
Jesus, our Leader, ever is near.
He will protect us, comfort, and cheer.
We’re joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.
Text: Anon., The New Golden Chain, New York, 1866
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816–1868
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Chorus:
We are all enlisted till the conflict is o’er;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there’s a bright crown in store;
We shall win and wear it by and by.
“Let us cheerfully do all things that �lie in our power.”
The End