President Henry B. Eyring: ‘Our Constant Companion’
‘If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as a sweet evidence that the Atonement is working in your life’
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 193rd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 1, 2023.
Cody Bell, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Henry B. Eyring: ‘Our Constant Companion’
‘If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as a sweet evidence that the Atonement is working in your life’
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 193rd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 1, 2023.
Cody Bell, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke during the Sunday morning session of October 2023 general conference. He spoke about how to qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The following is a summary of what he said.
President Eyring’s talk summary
Individuals can be taught by and learn from the Spirit line upon line, receiving what is needed until ready for more.
“We need the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. We desire it, yet we know from experience that it is not easy to achieve. We each think, say and do things in our daily lives that can offend the Spirit.” When that happens, remember the promise offered in the sacrament prayers.
“If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as a sweet evidence that the Atonement is working in your life.”
For those who are having a difficult time feeling the Holy Ghost: “Ponder whether there is anything for which you might repent and receive forgiveness.”
The key is to want what the Savior wants. “Our motives need to be driven by the pure love of Christ.”
Of all the things to which the Holy Ghost testifies, the most precious is that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of God.
“Your experiences will be unique, and the Spirit will guide in the way best suited to your faith and capacity to receive revelation for you and for those you love and serve. I pray with all my heart that your confidence will grow.”
Notable quotes
When I feel distant from the Lord, when answers to my prayers seemed delayed, I have learned to follow the counsel of President Nelson to review my life for opportunities to repent.
I testify that the Lord has kept His promise. The Holy Ghost is being sent to the faithful covenant members of the Church of Jesus Christ.
You and I have the opportunity to have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion and to have those truths confirmed as we remember and love the Savior, repent and ask for His love to be in our hearts.
See the full text of President Eyring’s talk: ‘Our Constant Companion’
Who is President Eyring?
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- President Henry B. Eyring has been a general authority for more than three decades, called in 1985. He served as a counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley from 2007 to 2008, then to President Thomas S. Monson from 2008 to 2018. Now he is serving as second counselor to President Russell M. Nelson.
- While studying at Harvard, he met his wife, Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring, when she enrolled in a Harvard summer program, and “was immediately impressed by the goodness she radiated.” They were married in the Logan Utah Temple in July 1962 and are the parents of four sons and two daughters.
- He served as the 10th president of BYU–Idaho — then Ricks College — from 1971 to 1977. Forty years later, his son Henry J. Eyring was inaugurated as the 17th president of BYU–Idaho in September 2017.
What has President Eyring done recently?
- During the October 2022 general conference, he taught that everyone faces adversity, but they can learn from and leave legacies of encouragement.
- His April 2023 general conference talk was titled “Finding Personal Peace.”
- During the 2023 Mission Leadership Seminar, President Eyring taught from “Preach My Gospel” chapter 3, how the gospel of Jesus Christ leads to conversion.
- In honor of his 90th birthday in May, President Eyring shared lessons he’s learned from his wife, prophets and 38 years of Church service. He also joined the Church News podcast and reflected on his baptism in a Church News video.
- On Aug. 13, he dedicated the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple.
Read more of President Eyring’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
