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TO DRAW CLOSER to GOD - Audio CD - A Collection of Discources

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The Lord said to Joseph Smith, "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." (D&C 88:63.) In To Draw Closer to God, Elder Henry B. Eyring explains some of the ways we can claim these promises. In his thoughtful, spiritual style, he discusses such topics as learning to hear the Lord's voice, choosing to be good, overcoming trials of faith, strengthening the family, surrendering to Christ, and helping others draw closer to the Lord.

Elder Eyring writes, "Yield your heart unto God. Ask him what it is he would have you do. Know that he will have prepared a way for you to do it, even under great difficulties. Ask him how he would have you share what you have with others, and you will feel his love. He lives and he loves you. He wants you to come home again."

If you would like to have the Spirit of the Lord with you more often, if you would like to feel closer to your Father in Heaven and have him be closer to you, you'll appreciate the insights and messages in this collection of inspiring discourses

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1997

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About the author

Henry B. Eyring

28 books87 followers
Henry Bennion Eyring is an American educational administrator and religious leader who is First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Eyring was the Second Counselor to Gordon B. Hinckley in the First Presidency from October 6, 2007 until Hinckley's death on January 27, 2008. On February 3, 2008, Eyring was called to be the First Counselor to Thomas S. Monson in the First Presidency, serving with Second Counselor Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Eyring has also served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the presiding bishopric, First Quorum of the Seventy, and as Commissioner of Church Education of the LDS Church.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie.
97 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2009
This is another book that was life-changing for me – beginning with this statement:
“You have moments when you want to be better than you have ever been. President McKay says the urge to rise above ourselves is because we are spiritual beings . . . It is far beyond a desire for ‘self-improvement.’ It is an urge to live so far above self that you could never do it on your own. Moroni said we must ‘come unto Christ . . . then is his grace sufficient for you,’ and he outlines what we must do to receive that grace.” (Moroni 10:32-33)
“That urge to rise above yourself is a recognition of your need for the Atonement to work in your life and your need to be sure that it is working.”

Teaching from the scriptures, Elder Eyring outlines principles for learning to hear the Lord’s voice, recognizing how to apply the atonement in our lives, coming through the trials of life, waiting on the Lord and calling down the blessings of heaven.

Especially enlightening to me were his insights into how to rekindle the spark of faith in those who have lost their way, helping someone in their moment of doubt, and leaving our families a legacy of testimony that might reach through the generations.

I found myself taking lengthy notes in order to understand and internalize these principles. And I loved how the progression of his teaching led from purifying and preparing the self to reaching out in Christ-like love to others, with the promise of great joy in that service: “You can trust that the Savior will qualify you as His servant, to assist Him in touching lives with faith to bring to pass the eternal life of man. And you will find satisfaction in that service beyond your fondest dreams.”

I think someone who is truly interested in serving the Lord by helping his children will find great satisfaction in this book.
Profile Image for Kendel Christensen.
Author 2 books17 followers
September 30, 2012
This book has a special spirit about it. I will let it do the talking:


“I hope a day doesn't begin or end that you don't consider whether something you did might have offended the Holy Ghost or made it harder for the Spirit to influence you. That is what it means to me to have a repentant heart.”
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.17-18)


“I hope you feel happiness. I do. That is an indication that we are on the right course. I can promise you that you can not only feel that now, but you can look forward to it over a lifetime, even a lifetime that may have its trials and its great difficulties.”
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.22)

“You will never know enough in this life. Part of enduring to the end is to never get over being teachable, even after you have lived and learned a lot." [ONE OF MY PERSONAL MAXIMS!!]
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.35)

ALL of chapter 4, "Come Unto Christ" and 5 "Choose to be Good" will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.


“You can make the choice to be good early. You can use the Savior as your standard for goodness. And you can stay with it. President Benson gave us that assurance, and I testify that it is true. He said: "Attaining a righteous and virtuous life is within the capability of any one of us if we will earnestly seek for it. If we do not have these character traits, the Lord has told us that we should 'ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' (D&C 4:7.) The Apostle Peter tells us that when we possess these traits we are not 'unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.' (2 Peter 1:8; emphasis added.) To know the Savior, then, is to be like Him. God will bless us to be like His Son when we make an earnest effort." ("What Manner of Men Ought We to Be?" Ensign, November 1983, p. 43.) ”
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.71-72)

“If you'll remember that the key to not being diverted from serving God is humility, then you'll understand that some of those days when you thought things were going badly were a great blessing. You might not have sought them, but if you react to such days by recognizing your dependence on God, you could actually be in a better situation than if everything had gone extremely well. Too much success, in fact, could lead you into a more difficult trial because it could make you arrogant.
To hear the voice of the Holy Ghost requires a humble and a meek heart. Although it may sometimes feel like chastisement when life gets difficult, remember that the scriptures tell us, "Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you—wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face." (D&C 95:1-2.) That doesn't sound so strange after you've thought about it. Our Father in Heaven loves us; he wants us to be guided, and he knows we can't be guided in arrogance. So when you're enduring what seems to be a trial or a test, when things don't seem to be going well, you can know that you have a loving Father who is allowing you to have experiences that can bless you.”
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.85-86)



“When you're experiencing a severe trial, ask yourself this question: "Am I trying to do what the Lord would have me do?" If you're not, then adjust your course. But if you are, remember the boy outside the walls of Jerusalem who turned to his brothers and said, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7.)
I bear you my testimony that the Lord will always prepare a way for you to escape from the trials you will be given if you understand two things. One is that you need to be on the Lord's errand. The second thing you need to understand is that the escape will almost never be out of the trial; it will usually be through it. If you pray to have the experience removed altogether, you may not find the way prepared for you. Instead, you need to pray to find the way of deliverance through it.”
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.86)

“The book of Helaman describes a group of people who were suffering terrible persecution but were at peace in their hearts. This is how they did it: "They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." (Helaman 3:35.)
Yield your heart unto God. Ask him what it is he would have you do. Know that he will have prepared a way for you to do it, even under great difficulties. Ask him how he would have you share what you have with others, and you will feel his love. He lives and he loves you. He wants you to come home again.”
(Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1997], p.88-89)
Profile Image for Lisa Brown.
2,746 reviews24 followers
January 17, 2009
A wonderful book that not only helps you understand your relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, but helps you understand how to come closer to Him and our Father in Heaven. Elder Eyring has such a wonderful way of teaching, and his words, personal stories, and testimony truly do help you draw closer to God.

*I read this during a particularly trying time in my life, and it was just what I needed.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,756 reviews
July 7, 2010
Sometimes a book comes into your life at just the right time. With all the stuff going on in my family right now, this book was just what I needed to read. I love President Eyring and his calm, sweet faith that just permeates everything he says and does. In this book, I found just what I needed to help me deal with some personal heartaches. It gave the strength and the understanding to keep going just a little longer, and with God's grace, that's when things began to look a little less grim. It wasn't so much the words themselves, as the spirit that filled me as I read them. It was a very personal experience, but I am sharing it here because I am so grateful that it happened. Much of my reading is just for fun, or for a little enlightenment, but sometimes I need to read something that feeds my soul. This was just what I needed.
Profile Image for Duane Lemmon.
3 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2012
I read this on a trip with my young daughters while on a trip visiting family. This book was very inspiring and was much needed after what has been the roughest year of my life so far; with a pending divorce from a person that was, not only my high school sweetheart but a person that for over half my life has been my best friend and then more recently the passing of my only sibling. I found much needed guidance, reminders, comfort and enlightenment. President Eyring's discourses are put together in a well thought out order.
Profile Image for Amy.
80 reviews
July 31, 2008
I've discovered a common theme in President Eyring's discourses and talks: Ask God what you should do, how you should serve, how you should feel, then listen and obey. He will answer.
Profile Image for Ashton.
32 reviews
March 31, 2022
The kind of writing that pushes me in the best way possible. Henry B brings it all together (for me) better than anyone
Profile Image for Alec.
854 reviews7 followers
October 21, 2025
I have really come to love and appreciate Henry B. Eyring over the past year. Having read his biography, I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring, I was excited to read this book which I thought he'd written. What you can't tell by the small picture on Goodreads is that this is a compilation of discourses by Henry B. Eyring. What I can't tell having read the book is whether they're discourses written specifically for the book or a compilation of discourses given over the course of his public, Church life. Regardless of the answer, what I do know having read it is that it is definitely worth reading and studying.

Written to an audience of gospel teachers, he argues that we are all teachers in some form or fashion, that each of us need to be prepared for teaching moments, and that we will be best prepared as we "draw [ourselves] closer to God". Each chapter is a different discourse, each much longer than a General Conference address and each without footnotes or attribution other than scriptures or direct quotes cited, I wish I knew the answer to the origin question. Regardless, it is an easy book to recommend.

Read as part of the 52 Book Club Challenge, prompt 46, "read during a -ber month"
Profile Image for Vicki Matheson.
185 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2023
This is an older book of President Eyring's, but timeless in its principles and delivery. So much wisdom and kindness, I enjoyed this collection of discourses immensely!
Profile Image for Heidi.
231 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2017
Listened to him read this. I love his voice. So many good messages in here - especially for this time in my life.
119 reviews
February 23, 2009
My mother gave this book to each of her children a few Christmas's ago. I found great insights into developing my own relationship with God. This is one of those books where you can read a chapter and find yourself thinking about it for the rest of the day.

His book is filled with great wisdom. Speaking about trying to be like our Savior, Pres. Eyering says, "If we stay at it long enough, perhaps for a lifetime, we will have for so long felt what the Savior feels, wanted what he wants, and done what he would have us do that we will have, through the Atonement, a new heart filled with charity. And we will have become more like him." (p. 71)

This is a book I have read more than once. I have also found it a great source for talks and lessons.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,081 reviews8 followers
July 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this. President Eyring is a great man and I love his stories and wisdom. I thought it would just be about helping myself draw closer to God, but there's a section at the end about helping others draw closer to God. I enjoyed that the most.
Profile Image for Tina.
99 reviews
December 22, 2022
This book is a compilation of some of President Eyring's talks. I underlined so many things that were profound to me in my life right now. This spoke peace to my heart. I love President Eyring's words.
355 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2022
CES Religious Education Feb 5, 1993
If we are so focused on the logical reasoning of why we should do something especially spiritual things than we limit ourselves from from being able to hear the spirit. We expect the solution to be something that we can logical understand on all levels; ignoring the fact that there is so much we won't understand in this life, in our temporal limited bodies. Think about spiritual experiences that you and others have had. Usually people remark about their spiritual experiences as receiving revelation to do something that they would have never thought of, normally do or knew nothing about.
The scriptures teach us to ponder it out in our hearts and then ask if it be right. If we are so stubborn as to think that the solution is something we can reason out on our own and won't accept anything else then we won't receive the answer, bc we wouldn't act on it otherwise.

If we want to help those who have doubts, we shouldn't focus on their logic or state of mind, but rather their heart. We should listen to them. Ask yourself, "what seems to have harden their heart? What has softened it in the past? What might soften it now? what has he said or what have I felt, that gives me a clue as to what might make him decide that he wants to have a soften heart?"
Treat our students as seekers.


Ricks College Devo Feb 16, 1988
He shared an experience where he immediately knew the answer to a man's problem who came to him as a bishop, but when president eyring went home that night he was short with his wife. He learned that you can have a trial of your faith from success. I had thought that I was doing wonderfully well, and that led me to act as if I were someone special - to act in a way that grieved the Holy Ghost.

CES Fireside Nov 5,1995
Man or woman who worries about fincially providing for themselves and their future family, only see part of what they need to do to provide for their family. Those who lack money, then choose ways to make their family income keep rising, and then find that the punch is there whatever the income.
"If you wish to get rich, save what you get "
I don't get to make my children's future choices. The best thing I can do is to make the choices I want my children to make in the future right now for myself so they can learn them and absorb them easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle Llewellyn.
529 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2018
This book is made up of fifteen discourses and talks given by Elder Eyring from as early as 1985 to 1995 that will inspire and strengthen your testimony of the gospel.

My favorite discourse was chapter 13 entitled "The Family," (1995) in which Elder Eyring, using the (then brand new) The Family: A Proclamation to the World as his text, exhorts us in creating the ideal family unit of eternal families that would become so important decades later.

Before meeting his wife and settling down to marriage, Elder Eyring describes the comfortable life he was living in a boardinghouse with other single men like himself. All enjoyed good meals, housekeeping service and comfortable rented rooms to relax in, yet, it was not the ideal life he'd been taught to strive for. A nice lifestyle but not one he'd want to live in forever.

Yet, how many young men today have no problem with putting off marriage and family creation? This particular quote really struck home to me:

"For some of us, the test in that schoolroom of mortality will be to want marriage and children in this life, with all our hearts, but to have it delayed or denied." (p. 165)

I found much comfort knowing if I put my faith and trust in the Lord and work harder in establishing and maintaining a relationship with Him while staying close to the spirit and keeping the commandments and my covenants everything else would take care of itself. "And how great shall be the joy and how much deeper the appreciation after enduring in patience and faith now."
Profile Image for Magila.
1,328 reviews14 followers
September 24, 2018
When you hear book of discourses, and in the Latter-day Saint world, this means talks, it can be at once promising and a bit underwhelming. The key to achieving something meaningful becomes successful curation, editing, and a flow that makes sense.

This book of discourses tackled a wide range of topics and in the end, it did make me feel like I was able to draw closer to God -and in many respects- God by virtue of the Holy Ghost.

A major virtue, though I did listen to it (which I recommend) in rather rapid succession, is that you can step in and out of this. Going from one section to another, it's something you can consider over some time and include as a part of personal study and reflection without feeling a need or desire to rush through it.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
926 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2022
A few thoughts on this.

1. There are a few stories and quotes that stuck with me with this book. I've thought about them many times since reading it. Loved those, and wrote them down for when I want to reread them later.

2. This is an older book, published in 1997. All of these talks and devotionals can now be found online, so no need for the book really, unless you want to read the talks in the progression it outlined.

3. Because this is old, many church things are outdated. Home teaching versus ministering and things like that. Reading more current talks is probably better.

Those are the reasons for my rating. I enjoyed it overall.
Profile Image for Patsy.
489 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2021
This collection of speeches from the 80's and 90's holds up well (2021) today. The talks are grouped into 3 categories: Hearing, Heeding, and Helping Others to do the same. The first time I read it, I was most impressed by his suggestion to listen for God's word in even the simplest of communications. I use this technique often, to help me feel God's love and direction for me. This time reading it, I also noticed his emphasis on the importance of humility, and also how to get more from my scripture reading.
17 reviews
June 14, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. My mom sent this to me while I was on my mission, and I read it during some personal studies. Henry B. Eyring is a very intelligent man that has a very down-to-earth view of life. There are so many different speeches/talks in this book that I had never heard before. I gained a lot of new insights. Eyring has a unique ability to see people for who they can become, and his invitations and observations in this book clearly reflect his love and understanding of life's difficulties.
Profile Image for Galene.
66 reviews
October 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with simple things that we can do to Draw Closer to God. I finished it just after I listened to Conference and it was nice to feel the same sweet spirit. I am Grateful I Read this book and hope to apply its teachings. I would definitely recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Travis Standley.
270 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2020
I’ve long admired this man for his humility. The themes of these chapters are laced in love and humility...much of what Pres Eyring is laced with himself. He’s a remarkable, spiritual man who teaches powerfully. Great reminders in gratitude, love, waiting on the Lord, and serving faithfully to prepare for heaven in families. Timeless messages from a personal hero of mine.
Profile Image for Shannon Smith.
51 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2021
I always love hearing him speak with his soothing, calm, compassionate voice.

There is a lot of good information in this book. President Eyring has so much depth and insight! I loved his stories and examples. He is a great teacher dividing it into sections and offering real life suggestions for application.

I definitely recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Christian.
455 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2024
A bit dry - it’s a collection of President Eyring’s BYU talks dating back to the mid-80s. The talks are all excellent but are much lengthier than general conference talks since he was doing entire devotionals for these talks. There’s gold throughout but I don’t think there are any that had stories that I hadn’t heard in a different setting (a conference talk).
Profile Image for Jess Wilson.
471 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2017
Wonderful book. There were many times while reading his words, I was reminded that a. that he is a prophet of God b. some perfectly "random" sentence and/or chapter is exactly what I needed that moment of that day to: lift my spirit, called me to change, or answered an unsaid prayer.
1,128 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2019
I first read this book about 20 years ago. I liked it better then. It's not that the principles are outdated; but I enjoy having quotes from general authorities that I remember better. Still, there are some nuggets of wisdom that deserve to be mined.
Profile Image for Amanda Jeffs.
104 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2019
Elder Eyring's discourses have always moved me to become more compassionate and kind. One feels his tender soul through the touching experiences he shares. I especially loved the one he shared of his father's battle with cancer.
Profile Image for Richard.
297 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2021
An excellent collection of the talks and teachings, grouped by topic, of Henry B. Eyring. Good lessons on how to become stronger spiritually, how to resist temptation, and how to help others do the same.
Profile Image for MK.
210 reviews28 followers
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May 17, 2021
Owned TBR Challenge 15/26
Wild Card


I truthfully wasn’t expecting to finish this today but I sat down and just kept reading.
Every discourse caused me to reflect on my relationship with God. As the title indicates, I believe I received greater strength to draw closer to Him.
194 reviews
May 13, 2022
A compilation of talks that he gave in the 80’s and 90’s. Mark wanted me to read this. I enjoyed it but especially took note of “The Spark of Faith” chapter and “Helping a Student in a Moment of Doubt” because of what my brother is going through.
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