Read or watch the full talk here
In his General Conference address, “Draw Near unto Me”, President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, invites all people to come closer to Jesus Christ through simple, intentional acts of discipleship. He testifies of Christ’s love, of the promise of spiritual closeness, and outlines how remembering, seeking, and serving can help us draw nearer to the Savior—even during times of hardship or spiritual distance.
Christ’s Invitation to Come Closer
President Eyring begins by affirming the divine invitation offered by Jesus Christ:
“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me…”
He notes that while many experience moments of nearness to Christ, life’s trials can sometimes create a sense of distance. Nevertheless, the Savior’s love remains constant. To draw nearer to Him, we are invited to remember Him always, seek Him in the scriptures, and ask for His presence through heartfelt prayer.
This relationship mirrors that of close friends separated by distance—strengthened through meaningful communication, attention to one another’s messages, and acts of kindness. Likewise, sustained spiritual connection with Christ deepens our bond with Him.
A Childhood Memory of Drawing Near
President Eyring shares a touching personal story from his youth. Over 75 years ago, he attended an evening sacrament meeting on a cold and dark night. Despite the discomfort of the weather, he recalls feeling a distinct warmth and light during the meeting—a spiritual affirmation of having obeyed the commandment to gather and partake of the sacrament.
The meeting concluded with the hymn “Abide with Me; ’Tis Eventide”, which left a lasting impression on his young heart. As the congregation sang “O Savior, stay this night with me,” he experienced an overwhelming presence of the Spirit and the Savior’s love.
Renewing That Feeling Through Scripture
Years later, Eyring longed to feel again that closeness he had once felt. This time, he turned to the scriptures—another commandment of the Lord. He found deep spiritual resonance in Luke 24, the story of the risen Lord walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first, but as He opened the scriptures and broke bread with them, their “eyes were opened.” They knew Him. Their hearts burned within them as He spoke, and they rushed to share this miracle with the Apostles.
President Eyring draws a clear parallel for modern disciples: studying the scriptures with real intent invites the same warmth, revelation, and companionship of Christ.
Discipleship Through Covenant and Service
Echoing the example of the early disciples, Eyring reminds listeners that each baptized member of the Church has entered into covenants to witness of Christ and serve others. He cites Alma’s words at the Waters of Mormon as a pattern of covenantal discipleship:
“…willing to bear one another’s burdens… mourn with those that mourn… comfort those that stand in need of comfort…”
By acting in Christ’s name and caring for others, we become instruments in His hands—and simultaneously draw nearer to Him. Service, Eyring emphasizes, is not just a duty; it is the very means by which we come to know the Savior more intimately.
Hope for Families and Those Who Wander
Addressing a tender concern shared by many, Eyring speaks to those with loved ones who have wandered from the path. He assures that as we serve the Lord, He will extend His reach to those we love.
He quotes a revelation to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, offering reassurance about their families:
“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.”
This divine promise suggests that when we engage in God’s work, He watches over what we cannot. His power and love reach beyond our view and into the hearts of those we care about.
A Witness of the Risen Lord
President Eyring closes with a powerful testimony. He declares that he is a witness of the resurrected Christ “as surely as if [he] had been there” in the house on the road to Emmaus. His certainty in the Savior’s reality, His love, and the truth of His Church is unmistakable.
He promises that on Judgment Day, those who have drawn near to Christ in this life will rejoice to meet Him face to face. In that glorious moment, faithful disciples will hear the Savior’s loving words:
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
10 Questions
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When was the last time I truly felt close to the Savior? What contributed to that feeling?
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Am I seeking Christ diligently through daily scripture study and heartfelt prayer?
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Do I cherish His words as I would a message from a dear friend?
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How can I serve others more cheerfully and sincerely in the Savior’s name?
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In what ways can I better “always remember” the Savior throughout my day?
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Have I ever had a spiritual experience during sacrament meeting that reminded me of His love?
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What commandments could I obey more fully to deepen my relationship with Christ?
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How do I respond spiritually when I feel distant or discouraged?
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Am I honoring my baptismal covenants to mourn with and comfort others?
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How can I entrust my loved ones more fully to the care of the Savior?
Click here to read or watch the full talk
June 8 2025 EQ lesson by John Dye
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Guest Author
