I Need Thee Every Hour: Applying the Atonement in Everyday Life

by David P. Vandagriff

Applying the Atonement in Everyday Life The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important event that ever has or ever will occur at any time or in any place in our universe. It is a gift not only for our last breath and the last day of our lives, but it is also for every day of our lives and every breath of our lives. For it is during the hours of our everyday lives that we work out our salvation, usually unobserved by others, sometimes feeling alone, and often feeling opposed. Though commonly mentioned in the Church, the Atonement of Christ is frequently misunderstood by many of the Saints. It is often viewed as a tool that is only to be employed when dramatic sins are committed. However, the Atonement is something that should be a part of every facet of our lives—in both joyful periods and challenging times. Drawing on his personal experience as a husband and bishop, David Vandagriff has written I Need Thee Every Hour to help readers see how the Atonement can encourage us and improve our lives as we realize the enormity of the Savior's sacrifice and how far it extends. Using real-life stories, each individual chapter discusses how the Atonement relates to different areas of daily life—including death, prosperity, trials, service, and undeserved suffering—to show how the Atonement is the foundation of all hope and the proof of a loving God. About the Author David P. Vandagriff joined the Church in Chicago when he was twenty-four. The first Latter-day Saint he had ever met, G.G. Vandagriff, would become his wife. David received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and graduated with honors from Pepperdine University School of Law. He has practiced law in California and Missouri and has worked as an executive in several technology companies. 6" X 9", 192 pages ISBN 978-1-59811-910-7

Genres: Religion, Inspirational, Lds

180 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in my journey to study the atonement and increase in understanding. The author is a convert to the Church and shares lessons he learned on the atonement through his service as bishop. The chapters discussed the atonement as it relates to service, scripture study, despair, chastity, death, undeserved suffering, good times, prayer, and the fall. My favorite take-away was the power of service to help feel the Holy Ghost and the atonement in our lives. I appreciated the time to ponder Christ’s atonement and its application in my daily life, but having read several books on the atonement now, this one wasn't as impactful to me as others.

Notes and Quotes:

Chapter 1: Service and the Atonement
-“The most powerful ways I have witnessed for people to pull themselves out of a spiritual slump is to serve others. The Holy Ghost will come as we serve. As President Eyring has informed us, ‘When we feel the Holy Ghost we can be confident the atonement is working in our lives, healing us, cleansing us, lifting us, helping us to see by a brighter light, and know that the Savior loves us.’”

-“Through our service we take His name upon us and feel His love for those in need flow through us to them. We cannot be a conduit for his love without being profoundly blessed by that experience. And as we communicate his love to others we understand more clearly how much he loves us.”

-One girl's realization as she was serving in a country whose great need overwhelmed her: That God is there and will one day heal all the suffering and pain…but in the meantime “One of the ways that God is here is because I am here.”

- Their ward’s “Pure Religion Committee” (James 1:27) helped bring the atonement into their lives by serving others—helped them feel the Spirit by focusing on the needs of others; Christ magnified their love and talents through their service; God can inspire the best ways for us to serve with our unique talents and experiences

Chapter 8: Prayer and the Atonement
-“Sometimes that answer will be much different than the one we expect, but if we begin with a firm faith that the Lord always answers our prayers, we will recognize many more divine responses regardless of how surprising they may be to us.”

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to finish on page 104 ;) when I get to check it out again at the library haha

[Kris Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far the best book I have ever read on the Atonement.

I picked it up thinking that it would be boring and I would likely lose interest quickly. But oh no, my friends. This book grabbed me and did not let me go. Vandagriff's writing is straightforward and heartfelt, and he includes enough personal stories and feelings that the book isn't dry at all. Whenever I was not reading, I felt a longing to be reading it again. Now that I have finished, I will likely just start over again at the beginning.

This is a book to read over and over again, and you might just learn something new each time you read it. I want to recommend this book to everyone - it will teach you something, and it will inspire feelings of gratitude for the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read this book. You won't regret it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Need Thee Every Hour was published in February, 2010. This book reminds us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important event that ever has or ever will occur at any time or in any place in our universe. The author reminds us that the Atonement is something that should be a part of our everyday life not only in our challenging times but our happy times as well. This is in contrast, he say, to how many think of the Atonement as a tool that is only to be employed when dramatic sins are committed.

I loved his last thought from Jeffrey R. Holland:
When He says to the poor in spirit, "Come unto me," He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He know it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to speak on Sunday on the 3rd Article of Faith, and this book called to me, I really felt led to it by the spirit. I am finding so much I want to use for my talk, it's wonderful!
I finished reading David's book and I just have to say how much I loved it! There are some wonderful insights into our relationship with the Atonement and the Savior and I used a lot in my talk. I think David truly knows his subject!

[Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the Savior's Atonement. A reminder that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not only for our last breath and the last day of our life, but it is also for every day of our life, every breath of our life. As a former Bishop of a BYU Single's Ward, the author shares many relateable stories and thoughts on how we can apply the Atonement in everyday life.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important event in existence. The more we come to understand what exactly Jesus did for us, the closer we draw to Him. This is an excellent reference from David Vandagriff with valuable insights and easy to understand stories, examples and explanations.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and accessible treatment of a vital yet sometimes overlooked gospel topic. Definitely worth rereading to catch more insights!

[Jaime Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insightful book that I loved every minute of reading! It really helps apply the Atonement in my life daily.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this new perspective on an old, vital topic.